Pakistan sets Dec. 16 as black day over school children massacre

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday vowed to remember Dec. 16, 2014 as a black day when around 150 people, including over 130 children were killed in a terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Pakistan's northwestern Peshawar city.

On the third anniversary of the attack, the prime minister said the day will be remembered as a black day in the history of the world when inhumane terrorists attacked innocent children.

Abbasi said that the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation in war against terror are unmatched, adding "extremism is the tree from which the poisonous fruit of terrorism grows. The nation gave the sacrifice of life and property in the war against terrorism."

A group of terrorists affiliated with Pakistani Taliban stormed the APS and killed around 150 children and teachers indiscriminately, leaving over 100 others injured. The carnage came to an end when commandoes of Pakistani army killed the attackers and rescued a number of children.

The brutal attack changed the perception of Pakistani nation against terrorism and they raised voices for a uniformed action against all types of militants.

Following the attack, Pakistani political parties and the country's security departments sat together and formed a National Action Plan to stem extremism and terrorism.

Later, Pakistani parliament unanimously approved the formation of military courts for speedy trials of the hardcore terrorists.

According to local reports, since the APS attack, at least 1,584 terrorists were arrested and sent to jails for trial. Apart from it 167 high profile terrorists with head money were also detained or killed during encounters with security forces.

Under the National Action Plan, police and security forces searched over 1 million houses and registered 36,000 cases against those who rented houses illegally. The practice of illegal house renting emerged as the main element which facilitated terrorists to hide in the urban areas of the country.

At least 600,000 suspects were arrested during 39,000 search operations conducted in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since the APS attack, the reports said.

At least 35,000 Afghan nationals living illegally in Pakistan were arrested and deported as Pakistani security agencies claimed that Afghan nationals were found involved in most of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan in the past.

To mark the anniversary, a number of events are being held across the country. The main ceremony was held at the APS, which was attended by senior civilians, military and government officials, and the parents of the deceased children.

A memorial of the victims constructed in Peshawar was inaugurated on Saturday.

On the anniversary, people from all walks of life and political leaders condemned the brutal attack, while local televisions ran special programs to pay tribute to the victims.

"we must ensure this can never happen again so our future generations can be nurtured safely to follow their dreams," said Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid special tribute to the victims and the grieving families.

source: AFP