PESHAWAR: Eleventh anniversary of Army Public School (APS) tragedy was observed in different countries of the world on Tuesday (16th Dec, 2025).
An event was held in Ankara’s Keçiören Orman Park on 16th Dec, during which Dr. Yousaf Junaid (Pakistani Envoy to Türkiye), laid floral wreaths at the APS-related memorial. Speaking on the occasion the diplomat from Islamabad expressed profound gratitude to the people and the government of Türkiye for their solidarity. Deputy Mayor of Keçiören Municipality Atilla Zorlu asserted that his country would stand with the people of Pakistan on all fronts.
It may be recalled that on this day, 6 TTP militants attacked APS, gunned 133 students and 17 teachers/staffers down. Security forces cleared the school following an eight-hour-long operation during which all the terrorists were neutralised. Convinced that the conspiracy for the APS attack was hatched in Afghanistan, the then COAS met Afghan president, army chief, and the ISAF commander asking them to extradite TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah.
Pak COAS presented evidence of the Peshawar massacre’s linkage with TTP sanctuaries in Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. That carnage not only shocked the world but also changed the view of the masses apropos militancy. National Action Plan was launched and Army augmented its offensive against terrorists holed up in tribal areas. Special military courts were established and terrorists were hanged.
Comments (Courtesy Radio Pakistan):
Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti (Defence Analyst) said: “On the 11th anniversary of terrorist attack on Army Public School Peshawar. I want to pay glowing tribute to martyred students, staff and especially Tahira Qazi Principal Army Public School (APS) Peshawar. She sacrificed her life for the sake of children. In a bid to counter terrorists and terrorism we need ever changing and evolving strategies along with effective implementation of legislation. It is vital because there are no set rules for the war on terrorism as initiative of starting war remains with the terrorists. These terrorists infiltrate from Afghanistan with the support of India and they have sleeper cells in Pakistan which are activated as per their requirements. We need to create bondage with public against terrorism through media, social media, educational curriculum and other methods. We need also unflinching and unbreakable unity to counter terrorism and terrorists. We countered Indian aggression successfully in May this year; resultantly our image soared up internationally. Indian irresponsible media launched anti Pakistan campaign after Australia tragedy but ultimately exposed Indian involvement in this act of terrorism. We have shown to the world that we are responsible state and don’t tend to involve in ungraceful activities to malign any country. We need to continue showing such a grace before the world and world will ultimately know about Indian nefarious designs with the passage of time.“
Dr. Muhammad Khan (IR Expert): “On 16th of December 2014, our little soldiers, angels and colleagues rendered unprecedented sacrifices at APS, Peshawar. We still cherish the sweet memories of our lost loved ones who lost their lives in the tragedy. After that tragedy, nation stood behind our armed forces to eliminate menace of terrorism. Terrorism had almost been eliminated from Pakistan but unfortunately, it returned after 2021. December 16, 2014 was a tragic day from several perspectives. This tragedy exposed ugly faces of terrorists who claimed to be pro-Islamic but actually they had nothing to do with Islam or Islamic injunctions. They are anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan therefore we need to stand behind our armed forces against them. Our armed forces wiped out terrorists’ headquarters in North Waziristan successfully along with all Taliban or Finta al Hindustan. Remaining terrorists moved out to Afghanistan. December 16, rejuvenates our resolve that we will not allow anyone to sabotage peace in our country.“
Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): “Pakistan has been victim of terrorism over last two decades and Pakistani nation has rendered matchless sacrifices in the international campaign on terrorism. Indians are in habit of linking any bad happening in the world with Pakistan. Now India against tried to link Sydney terrorist act with Pakistan without any evidence but Indians have badly failed in this bid and further exposed Indian connections with terrorists. The international community has rejected India propaganda against Pakistan and come to know that Indian intelligence agencies are behind terrorism around the globe. Under Indian sitting government basic and fundamental rights of minorities are not secure and Muslims are special target of Hindutva motivated mobs. BJP government is actually government of fanatics and radicals and this government is a serious threat to international peace and order. I think that India may be behind Sydney terrorist act just to provide justification for Israel to initiate a new war against Palestinian Muslims. Therefore impartial probe must be conducted to expose the actual situation on this issue.”
Newspakistan.tv
