10 Years On: Remembering the APS Peshawar Tragedy
On December 16, 2014, Pakistan endured one of its darkest days when terrorists attacked the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar. In less than 10 hours, 147 people, including 132 children, were brutally killed.
A decade later, the pain of that tragic day continues to echo. Families of the victims still seek healing and closure, while the nation remains committed to its ongoing fight against terrorism. This article reflects on the aftermath of the attack, the journey of those affected, and the lessons for the future.
Survivors and Families: Anguish and Healing
The tragedy left deep emotional scars on survivors and the families of victims. Many of them grapple with flashbacks, trauma, and anger over the senseless violence. The journey to healing has been long and painful, with unresolved questions lingering for many.
Seeking Justice
The pursuit of justice has been a complex and challenging process. Families have taken their demands for accountability to the courts, resulting in numerous legal battles. While some perpetrators have been punished, there remains a sense that not all questions surrounding the tragedy have been adequately addressed.
Investigating the Attack
Details of the attack have been pieced together from official reports, survivor testimonies, and investigations. On the day of the massacre, seven militants belonging to a banned group infiltrated Peshawar through traditional routes and were hosted at a mosque near the school the night before the attack.
At 10:15 a.m., the attackers set fire to a vehicle near the school to distract security patrols. They then scaled the back wall of the school and stormed the auditorium, where students were attending a workshop. Within minutes, they unleashed a wave of indiscriminate violence, targeting children and staff.
The Military Response
The Pakistan Army’s Quick Response Force (QRF) arrived at the scene within 15 minutes and contained the attackers’ movements to the administration block. By 1:30 p.m., special commandos were deployed to neutralize the threat and rescue survivors.
The operation lasted around seven hours, with the last of the terrorists killed by 5:20 p.m. Security forces declared the school clear by 8:00 p.m. Despite the swift response, the attackers had already inflicted devastating casualties. Three soldiers were martyred, and 12 others sustained injuries.
Accountability and Legal Actions
Investigations identified a 27-member terrorist cell responsible for the attack. Of these, seven attackers were killed during the operation, while others were arrested or killed in subsequent security operations. The mastermind behind the attack, Umar Mansoor, was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan in 2016.
Additionally, disciplinary actions were taken against military personnel for lapses during the attack, highlighting efforts to ensure accountability.
The National Action Plan
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Pakistan’s leadership introduced the National Action Plan (NAP) to strengthen counter-terrorism measures. The plan included military trials for terrorists and lifted the moratorium on the death penalty, reflecting a significant shift in policy.
A Nation’s Resolve
The APS massacre was a turning point for Pakistan, exposing the devastating consequences of extremism and galvanizing efforts to combat terrorism. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist in addressing the roots of extremism and delivering justice to the victims.
The memory of December 16, 2014, stands as a solemn reminder of the resilience of those affected and the need for continued vigilance to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
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