Remembering APS: Nation expresses solidarity with martyrs
The performances by the little ones signified unity, solidarity, courage and resolve.
LAHORE (Dunya New) – Events, candle vigils, rallies, speeches and shows; Pakistani nation on Wednesday proved that it had indeed not forgotten the fallen martyrs of Army Public School (APS). The whole nation expressed its solidarity with the schoolchildren, teachers and soldiers who were cowardly martyred by terrorists exactly one year ago.
The performances by the little ones signifying unity, solidarity, courage and resolve were just too much for some adults as tears welled up in the eyes of parents remembering the innocent souls who lost their lives.
Islamabad
Children of Islamabad’s Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Inter College paid their respects to the departed martyrs in their own unique way. Candles were lit all over the city signifying the fact that the light of education will destory the darkness of ignorance.
Various organizations, citizens and journalists gathered outside National Press Club to commemorate the nation’s huge loss.
In D-Chowk, teachers of Federal educational institutes also lit candles and prayed for the martyrs while lawyers and traders also held a candle vigil in F-10 centre.
A prayer ceremony was held by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in front of Zardari House. Prayers were held and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto sang the National Anthem alongside the children.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also held a ceremony to honour APS victims in the Secretariat.
Lahore
An event was held in Garrison College Cantt, Lahore to commemorate the budding flowers of APS who were so mercilessly massacred. Core Commander Lieutenant General Sadiq Ali also participated in the ceremony.
Multan
Students of various schools in Multan along with Core Commander Multan Lieutenant General Ashfaq Nadeem paid tribute to the APS martyrs by laying wreaths and flowers on “Yadgar-e-Shuhada”.
Faisalabad
In Faisalabad a candle vigil was held in front of the Commissioner Office and the area was declared as “Yadgar-e-Shuhada”.
Karachi
A tribute commemorating the APS martyrs was held in North Karachi Degree College. A walk in remembrance of the innocent souls lost in Peshawar attack was held by Karachi University.
Hyderabad
Prisoners and administration of Hyderabad’s Central Jail also paid tribute to the martyrs by recitation of the Holy Quran.
Sukkur
A long queue of angelic children holding candles paid their respects to the APS martyrs in front of Sukkur Press Club.
Quetta
Quetta’s Garrison Academy also expressed its solidarity with martyrs and their parents by lighting candles in memory of the fallen.
Azad Kashmir
Similar candle vigils and events expressing solidarity with APS were seen throughout Azad Kashmir including Muzzaffarabad.
Peshawar
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif announced to observe December 16 as ‘Qaumi Azm-e-Taleem Day’ every year in honour of the Army Public School martyrs.
The Prime Minister addressed a gathering today at the Army Public School, Peshawar held to mark the first anniversary of the attack. He said that blood of the martyred children united the nation.
The PM declared December 16 a Day of National Resolve to promote Education (Qaumi Azm-e-Taleem).
Enemies of education are the enemies of humanity. The PM vowed to eliminate elements that aim to push the country in darkness by crippling education process.
London
Overseas Pakistanis also expressed their unity with the nation. London’s Pakistani High Commission held a ceremony in honour of the APS martyrs. Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Ibn Abbas presented APS student Harris Nawaz with a medal for his bravery. Harris was martyred during the deadly Peshawar attack and the medal of bravery was collected by injured brother Ahmed Nawaz.
APS injured student Ibrahim also participated in the ceremony on a wheelchair. Pakistani community attended the event in huge numbers.
Candles were also lit to pay tribute to the dearly departed souls.
