The attack on the Army Public School (APS), located in the high-security zone of Warsak Road in Peshawar and operated by the armed forces, completes 10 years today. However, the parents of the children martyred in this tragedy say that their lives have been devoid of happiness since that day.
Even today, the parents of the APS martyrs gather to remember their children and console each other to share their grief.
Shaheer Khan was also among the APS martyrs. On this day in 2014, he left home joyfully to light the lamp of knowledge but never returned. Yet, the lamp in his name still burns brightly. Despite their efforts, Shaheer’s parents, Tahir Khan, and his wife have been unable to move past that day. Tahir Khan says that their lives stopped on December 16, 2014, and as December begins each year, their wounds reopen.
“We haven’t been able to forget that day, not even for a second. No one can truly understand our pain and condition,” said Tahir Khan.
Tahir shared that on December 16, 2014, a relative called to inform him about the terrorist attack on APS. “When I received the call, I said it’s an Army school, and the Army is deployed there, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
He further explained, “When I reached the school gate, the situation was entirely different. Gunfire echoed continuously, and the scene was indescribable—screams, chaos, and no one to stop the terrorists.”
Tahir Khan added, “What I saw there is etched in my heart. This grief will go with us to the grave. We are not normal. The joy that ordinary people feel is absent from our lives.” His wife, sitting beside him, had tears in her eyes, reflecting the depth of their sorrow. Shaheer’s mother said that grief and tears have become her destiny, and she is merely passing the days of her life.
“Days are passing, but it doesn’t feel like 10 years have passed. In these 10 years, we haven’t forgotten our child for even a second.”
The parents of the APS martyrs also express their dissatisfaction with the lack of justice. They say that despite continuous efforts and protests, the decision to conduct a judicial inquiry was made, but it yielded no results.
December 16, 2014: The APS Tragedy
It was a Tuesday when terrorists attacked the Army Public School on Warsak Road in Peshawar. Six terrorists, dressed in government official uniforms, scaled the school walls and targeted innocent children. Security forces arrived promptly and began an operation. In this attack, 147 individuals, including 144 children, were martyred.
This act of terrorism shook the entire nation. The then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Peshawar, held a special meeting, and announced a National Action Plan to initiate a cleanup operation against terrorists. Grief-stricken parents were assured justice and promised that no terrorist would be spared.
Tribute to the APS Martyrs by the President and Prime Minister
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan.
In their messages on the 10th anniversary of the APS tragedy, the President said that December 16 left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory when terrorists brutally murdered our children.
Asif Ali Zardari expressed sympathy with the families of the innocent children, stating that this day serves as a reminder of the nation’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He said that incidents like the APS tragedy expose the true face of terrorists and extremists, and the Pakistani nation will not let them succeed in their nefarious plans.
In his message, the Prime Minister reiterated his resolve to build a peaceful and secure Pakistan where no innocent person has to face brutality, and all criminals are given exemplary punishment. He stated that the entire nation stands united as an iron wall against cowardly terrorists and will continue to do so. He reminded the country that the mischief of extremists and anti-state elements has no connection to religion or social values.
