RAWALPINDI, December 16: Paying rich tributes to the martyrs of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday saluted to their brave parents.
“Remembering & praying for our APS Martyrs. Salute to the brave parents. Nation has bravely faced challenges at heavy cost to come out successful, said the army chief said in his message on the eve to mark 4th anniversary of APS martyrs, released by DG Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) through his official twitter handle.
“Remembering & praying for our APS Martyrs. Salute to the brave parents. Nation has bravely faced challenges at heavy cost to come out successful. We stay united & steadfast to carry forward Pakistan to its rightful destination of peace and prosperity.
Earlier on Sunday, A ceremony, to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of Army Public school and college (APSAC) Warsak road Peshawar was held today. The ceremony started with a special prayer for martyrs, followed by the national anthem. A smartly turned out contingent of Pak Army presented the guard of honour.
It is worth mentioning here that the 4th anniversary of the callous terrorist attack on the Army Public School Peshawar that left around 150 people, including children and teachers, dead is being observed today.
On Dec 16, 2014 six terrorists stormed the school and martyred around 150 students and teachers. After this tragic incident, the government chalked out the National Action Plan (NAP) to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Later the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed the death sentences awarded to 15 hardcore terrorists, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Sunday.
The terrorists were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including attacking the Armed Forces/Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan, abetting suicide bombers in an attack on Christian Colony near Peshawar, destroying educational institutions and killing innocent civilians.
Their terrorist activities resulted in deaths of 34 persons, including 21 Armed Forces, nine Frontier Constabulary and two Police officials along with two civilians, and injured 19 others, the ISPR said.
Arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession. The convicts were tried by special military courts. Besides, 20 convicts have also been awarded imprisonment, the statement added.-Agencies
