WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy, reaffirming the state’s resolve to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, calling it the only true justice for the victims.

In a message issued on the anniversary of the attack, the prime minister said the nation was honouring the innocent children, teachers and staff of APS who laid down their lives for the future of Pakistan. He described the December 16, 2014 massacre as a heartbreaking ordeal that plunged the entire nation into grief but failed to weaken its collective resolve.

“The sacrifices of the innocent children, teachers and staff of APS are an inseparable part of our national memory,” he said, adding that the complete elimination of terrorism from Pakistani soil alone would constitute real justice for the tragedy. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs and paid tribute to their patience and steadfastness in the face of irreparable loss.

Referring to the prevailing security situation, the prime minister said Pakistan was once again facing the menace of terrorism, with security personnel and civilians being targeted in different parts of the country. He said the APS tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is not yet over.

He stressed that the state, security institutions and the people remain united and determined to defeat terrorism and extremism. Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy, he said operations against terrorist elements would continue with full force until the menace is completely eliminated.

The prime minister concluded by praying for the martyrs of the war against terrorism, asking Allah to grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and patience to their families.