Dec 16, 2023
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD
Human rights defenders in Islamabad held a candlelight vigil as the nation observed the ninth anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar.
On this day in 2016, 147 innocent students and teachers were killed as six Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists dressed in military uniforms entered the school premises and opened indiscriminate fire. The attack is regarded as the bloodiest and most painful in the country’s history.
Showing solidarity with the families of the martyrs and survivors, civil society activists urged the government to revise its policy of appeasing and negotiating with terrorists. They also reminded the state of its fundamental duty to provide protection and security to all citizens.
Former senator and veteran politician of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Farhatullah Babar blamed state policies for the resurgence of terrorism in the country. “Had those involved in the brutal killing of 122 children been held accountable, lawyers in Quetta would not have fallen victim to another brutal terrorist attack in August 2016.”
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) co-chair and journalist Munizae Jahangir questioned the legal basis for the release of the accused in the APS attack in a clandestine deal between the Taliban and the military. Jahangir strongly urged that all terrorists be brought before civilian courts, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.
Despite the passage of nine years, activists expressed frustration that the demands of APS victims and survivors’ families have not been met. The vigil served as a platform for renewed calls to address the grievances of the affected families and to ensure that the perpetrators face legal consequences.