Monday marks the tenth anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, a harrowing day in Pakistan’s history. On December 16, 2014, six militants from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban carried out a brutal attack on APS in Peshawar, killing 132 students and 17 staff members.
This devastating event not only left families grief-stricken but also united the nation in its fight against terrorism. In its aftermath, the National Action Plan was introduced to counter extremism and secure tribal regions.
A decade later, the pain remains raw for many, as families of the victims come together to honor their loved ones. Memorial gatherings are being held across educational institutions in Peshawar, where special prayers are being offered for the martyrs.
To ensure safety amid ongoing security concerns, the Punjab School Education Department has announced the closure of all public and private schools in Punjab and Islamabad on December 16. Authorities have implemented strict security measures at educational institutions.
Similar directives have been issued in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where schools and colleges will remain shut. Exams scheduled for the day have been postponed. While officials in Rawalpindi attributed the closure to commemorate the APS attack’s tenth anniversary, no specific reasons were disclosed for the closures in Islamabad and Lahore.
The APS attack remains one of Pakistan’s most tragic and lethal terrorist incidents, symbolizing the high cost of terrorism and the resilience of its people. Today’s closures and memorials reflect the nation’s enduring grief and commitment to remembering the martyrs.
