He announced to observe December 16 as the Day of National Resolve to promote education.
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Our hearts are deeply pained as we gather here in memory of the students killed in the Army Public School Peshawar, he added. No country, however preponderant, can be complacent when it comes to terrorism.
Sharif said the operation has broken the back of terrorists and the day was not far when terrorism will be completely eliminated.
“My children, today I make this promise to you, that I will take revenge for every drop of your blood”, Mr Sharif said, addressing the victims directly. The security forces under the leadership of General Raheel Sharif have achieved unprecedented success.
Eight convicted killers were hanged at prisons across the country on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Peshawar school attack, which prompted the government to reinstate the death penalty.
Other than vigils and rallies, special ceremonies, seminars and Quran Khwani were also observed on a large scale, which were organised by the City District Government Lahore (CDGL), civil societies, educational institutions, army, political parties, civil secretariat, hospitals and other organisations. Provincial Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha was the chief guest on the occasion. Pakistan Army marched on the eve of first anniversary.
Imran said the future of the children was secure due to the sacrifices of APS students. At least a dozen families boycotted Wednesday’s ceremony in protest.
Imran Khan finally intervened and called the protesting parents to the stage to convey their grievances and demands. The PTI chief allowed them to speak on the stage.
Pakistan Army seeks to send the message that guns and bullets alone will not silence terror.
He said only a judicial commission could properly investigate the massacre.
The man also asked why only a head constable and a constable was deputed at the APS despite intelligence report circulated on August 28, 2014 about the possible militant attack on the school.
One year on, victims’ families and politicians joined students and celebrities in remembering the day at a ceremony attended by 2,500 people and broadcast live on state television. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) CM Hafeezur Rehman, Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Pervez Khattak and KP Governor Mehtab Khan Abbasi also took part in the distribution of medals.
The function was started with the recitation of Holy Quran which was followed by offering Dua for the martyrs of APS. Students of various schools presented tableaus on the national songs and paid tribute to martyrs of APS.
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In Peshawar, the area surrounding the school was designated a red zone, and army helicopters hovered as hundreds of soldiers guarded main junctions.
