Tagic Army Public School (APS) Peshawar incident completes 11 painful years

Web Desk: Eleven years have passed since the tragic Army Public School (APS) Peshawar incident, yet the families of the martyrs continue to live with profound grief and anguish.

On 16 December 2014, one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in the country’s history took place in Peshawar. Six terrorists scaled the wall and entered Army Public School. Armed with sophisticated weapons and disguised in the uniforms of security personnel, they indiscriminately opened fire on students eager to learn, leaving innocent children and teachers drenched in blood.

A school once filled with the fragrance of flowers was transformed within moments into a scene tainted by the stench of gunpowder. Security forces swiftly arrived at the scene, cordoned off APS, and after a prolonged operation, killed all six suicide attackers belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban.

In this barbaric attack, 147 people were martyred, including 122 innocent students, while nine security personnel, including two officers, were injured during the encounter with the terrorists.

Six terrorists involved in planning the Army Public School attack were arrested by security forces and were later sentenced to death by military courts.

In the aftermath of the APS tragedy, the National Action Plan was formulated, under which stricter measures were taken to combat terrorism.

Whenever the families of the martyrs remember their loved ones, they are overwhelmed with grief; however, paying tribute to the fallen heroes strengthens their resolve and courage.

Ahmed Nawaz, who was injured in the APS attack, says that he lost his brother in the incident and was himself wounded. He adds that his purpose in life is to raise his voice against terrorism.