By Mashal Khan

PESHAWAR - Pakistan on Thursday marked the anniversary of the tragic 2014 terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, where around 150  innocent children and teachers lost their lives in an act of sheer brutality.

The massacre, carried out by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, remains one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history, symbolizing both immense loss and the nation’s unwavering resolve to confront terrorism.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Pakistan has endured more than 90,000 deaths in the broader fight against terrorism, alongside massive economic and social costs.

Security forces continue to take decisive action against terrorist groups, while the country faces persistent threats from militants operating across the border, particularly TTP elements now based in Afghanistan.

Pakistan emphasized its frontline role in safeguarding not only its own citizens but also contributing to regional and international security.

Authorities reiterated the urgent need for global action to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and cut off all support for groups targeting Pakistan.

As the nation remembered the APS martyrs, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to defending its people, preserving sovereignty, and pursuing lasting peace through unity, resilience, and an uncompromising stance against terrorism, irrespective of its origin.

In their messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their firm resolve to continue war against the menace of terrorism until its complete elimination, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.

In their separate messages in connection with the anniversary of Army Public School Peshawar attack, they paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the little martyrs of the APS massacre.

President Zardari reiterated that Pakistan's commitment to defeat terrorism is absolute and there can be no soft corner for terrorists or those who support, finance, shelter or justify them.   

He said the nation will always honour the resilience of the APS families who transformed their grief into strength for Pakistan.

The President said the evidence of Indian involvement in efforts to destabilize our country is well documented. He said Pakistan will continue to expose these hostile activities and will defend its people with full resolve.

In his message on his X handler, the Prime Minister said the nation will always stand united, firm and unwavering in its resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.  

He said the sacrifice of innocent children, teacher and staff in this tragedy is forever etched in our national conscience and remains a constant reminder of our collective responsibility to defeat terrorism.

The Prime Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous and patience to their families.