All public and private schools and colleges in Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi are closed on December 16 (today) to observe the 10th anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy.
The tragic attack, which occurred on December 16, 2014, resulted in the deaths of 147 innocent students and teachers. It remains the deadliest and most painful incident in Pakistan’s history, when six terrorists, dressed in military uniforms, entered the school and opened fire indiscriminately on students, teachers, and staff.
Among the 147 martyrs were 122 students, along with the school’s principal, Tahira Qazi, and teacher Sofia Hijab. In the confrontation with the terrorists, at least nine security personnel, including two officers, were injured. The six terrorists involved in the attack were arrested and sentenced to death by military courts.
According to a notification from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Rawalpindi, all schools and colleges within the city’s jurisdiction will be closed on Monday. The notification, signed by Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi, cites powers granted by the Punjab Government and declares a holiday on December 16, 2024.
In Lahore, Chief Executive Officer of Education, Nazar Hussain, confirmed that all educational institutions in the city will be closed to mark both the anniversary of the APS tragedy and the fall of Dhaka. He emphasized that the nation will never forget the supreme sacrifices made by the APS martyrs, noting that their martyrdom united and strengthened the nation.
