Islamabad/Peshawar, 16 December 2025 – Pakistan is observing the 11th anniversary of the 2014 Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, one of the deadliest school attacks in modern history, with the country’s leadership reaffirming a renewed resolve to combat terrorism and honouring the victims.
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The attack on December 16, 2014, claimed the lives of 147 people, including 122 students, after six gunmen wearing military uniforms stormed the school and opened fire indiscriminately on students, teachers and staff. The school’s principal, Tahira Qazi, and teacher Sofia Hijab were among those killed.
In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism was “absolute” and stressed that there could be no leniency for militants or those who supported, financed or justified them. “There can be no negotiations with those who raise arms against the state or target our children,” he said.
The president said the memory of the APS martyrs continued to strengthen the nation’s resolve and paid tribute to the families who have endured the loss with courage. He also praised the role of security forces and intelligence agencies in preventing further attacks, and reiterated Pakistan’s stance against what he described as Indian-sponsored terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the APS tragedy remains etched in the nation’s collective conscience and serves as a constant reminder of the responsibility to eradicate terrorism. “The nation will always stand united, firm and unwavering in its resolve,” he said in a message shared on social media.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the APS attack as one of the most painful chapters in Pakistan’s history, saying it exposed the “brutal face of terrorism” to the world. He added that there was no longer any ambiguity in the fight against militancy, calling terrorism unacceptable under any pretext.
Commemorative events and prayers were held across the country to honour the victims, with officials reiterating that Pakistan would not allow the enemies of peace to undermine its future.
