Sacrifices of APS students united nation against terrorism: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan paid tribute to the martyrs of the terrorist attack on Army Public School Peshawar, on the fourth anniversary of the tragedy on Sunday.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran said the tragic incident unified and solidified the entire nation against an enemy which is a blot on humanity and the worst example of barbarism.

He said the sacrifices of the young martyrs of the devastating terrorist attack, which claimed lives of nearly 150 people – mostly students – would never be forgotten.

Sharing his condolences with the aggrieved families, the premier lamented that the parents had sent their children to school for acquiring education on the ill-fated day (December 16, 2014), but the little angels had embraced martyrdom instead of returning home.

He said the entire nation stood with the aggrieved families and shared in their grief.

Prime Minister Imran reiterated the nation's commitment to national, regional and world peace despite giving numerous sacrifices in blood and sweat in the war against terrorism.

We vow to implement the National Action Plan and clear Pakistan of terrorism and hate, the prime minister said.

He also expressed the government's commitment to turn Pakistan into a society which will not tolerate extremism and violence in the name of sect, religion, language, colour, ethnic origin or any other.

He further said education is the best tool to defeat extremism and terrorism for good.

The prime minister said that the valiant armed forces of Pakistan and other law enforcement agencies, through operations Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, accomplished an unprecedented decisive action against terrorism.

He said despite giving huge sacrifices in terms of human and financial losses, if anyone still levelled accusations against Pakistan then they would be reminded that in this global war, a massive price was paid by the country's armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians.

In his message on the occasion, President Dr Arif Alvi said the APS incident is a national tragedy as well as a day to re-pledge our commitments against the inimical forces.

He urged the nation to be ready to give every sacrifice to stop the way of extremism in the country.