President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated the government’s firm resolve to eradicate terrorism, stressing that there would be no leniency for terrorists or their facilitators.
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In a message on the 11th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack, President Zardari said Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism was absolute. He emphasized that there could be no negotiations with those who take up arms against the state or target innocent children.
“The memory of the APS martyrs strengthens our resolve. Pakistan will never allow the enemies of peace to succeed,” the president said, recalling the brutal terrorist attack of December 16, 2014, in which innocent children and staff members lost their lives.
He said the nation stood with the families of the martyrs, who continue to bear their loss with courage. “The nation will always honour the resilience of the APS families who transformed their grief into strength for Pakistan,” he added.
President Zardari also strongly condemned what he described as Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, saying evidence of involvement in efforts to destabilize the country was well documented. He vowed that Pakistan would continue to expose hostile activities and defend its people with full resolve.
Paying tribute to the security forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services, the president said their efforts had prevented many potential tragedies. He warned that apologists, facilitators, and supporters of terrorists would not be spared, regardless of the political, ideological, or fake religious cover they may use.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs of the APS Peshawar tragedy and reaffirmed his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
He said the sacrifices made for Pakistan’s future would never go in vain, as the state, security institutions, and people remained united in eliminating terrorism and extremism. “This heart-wrenching incident deeply saddened the nation but failed to break our resolve,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister added that the sacrifices of the innocent children, teachers, and staff would forever remain etched in the nation’s conscience, and that the complete elimination of terrorism would be the only meaningful justice for the APS tragedy.
He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and saluted their patience and resilience. Highlighting the continued threat of terrorism, the prime minister said the APS tragedy served as a reminder that the fight against terrorism was not yet over. He prayed for the highest ranks in paradise for the martyrs and strength for their families.
