Monday marks the tenth anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, a day that remains etched in Pakistan’s history as one of its darkest.

On December 16, 2014, six terrorists from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban launched a cowardly attack on APS, resulting in the deaths of 132 students and 17 staff members.

The tragedy not only devastated families but also revitalized the nation’s resolve to combat terrorism, leading to the establishment of the National Action Plan aimed at eradicating terrorism from tribal regions.

A decade later, the grief persists, as families continue to come together to honor the memories of the martyrs. Parents are gathering at the homes of the slain, sharing their sorrow and supporting one another during this difficult time.

In remembrance, memorial gatherings are being held across educational institutions in Peshawar today, where special prayers will be offered for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.

In light of the current security situation, the Punjab School Education Department has announced that all public and private schools in Punjab and Islamabad will remain closed on December 16.

This decision aims to ensure safety as strict security measures are enforced around educational institutions.

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Similarly, separate notifications from district magistrates in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi have confirmed that all schools and colleges in their jurisdictions will be closed. Exams scheduled for today have also been postponed.

While no specific reasons were given for the closures in Islamabad and Lahore, the authorities in Rawalpindi noted that the decision was made to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the APS attack, which stands as one of the most lethal terrorist incidents in the nation’s history.