The somber 10th anniversary of the Peshawar Army Public School (APS) tragedy was observed with deep reverence and a renewed pledge for peace at Government College University (GCU) Hyderabad. The university community gathered to honor the memory of the 147 innocent lives, predominantly schoolchildren, lost in one of Pakistan's most devastating terrorist attacks.
A Campus United in Grief and Resolve
The commemorative event at GCU Hyderabad was marked by a profound sense of collective mourning and national solidarity. Faculty members, administrative staff, and students assembled to pay their respects. The ceremony featured special prayers, a moment of silence, and reflections on the enduring pain of December 16, 2014. The gathering served as a powerful reminder that the wounds of that day remain fresh in the nation's conscience, transcending geographical boundaries from Peshawar to Hyderabad.
The principal and other senior officials of the university addressed the attendees, emphasizing that the sacrifice of the APS martyrs would not be forgotten. They highlighted how the tragedy had united the nation against the forces of extremism and violence. Speakers underscored the importance of educational institutions as bastions of hope and enlightenment, which must be protected at all costs.
Reaffirming the Commitment to Education and Peace
A central theme of the observance was the reaffirmation of Pakistan's commitment to peace and the right to education. Participants vowed to counter the extremist ideology that led to the attack by promoting tolerance, critical thinking, and unity. The event was not merely a memorial but a call to action, urging the academic community to play its role in building a more harmonious society.
The speakers explicitly condemned the terrorist attack on Army Public School Peshawar, labeling it a cowardly act against the future of Pakistan. They stressed that the best tribute to the martyred children and teachers is to ensure that schools and universities remain safe spaces for learning and growth. The resilience shown by the Pakistani nation in the aftermath of the attack was also a key point of discussion.
Legacy of the Martyrs and National Unity
The observance at GCU Hyderabad concluded with a strong message of national unity and resilience. The participants resolved that the blood of the APS martyrs would continue to inspire the fight against terrorism in all its forms. The ceremony reinforced the idea that such commemorations are essential to keep the memory alive and to educate younger generations about the cost of conflict and the precious value of peace.
The event stood as a testament to the fact that the entire nation, from Peshawar to Hyderabad, shares the grief and the resolve born from the APS tragedy. It highlighted the role of educational institutions across Pakistan in fostering a culture of remembrance and a steadfast commitment to a future where such violence is never repeated.
