Grief-stricken parents of APS students await justice eight years hence
Pakistan
Grief-stricken parents of APS students await justice eight years hence
PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – The parents of the students, who were martyred in the tragic attack on the Army Public School (APS) at Peshawar in 2014, held a protest rally on Friday -- the eighth anniversary of the heart-wrenching incident.
“We have been waiting for justice for the past eight years. But it is unfortunate that no one has been able to do anything for us,” said one of the protesters.
Dec 16, 2014 is one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. Terrorists attacked the Army Public School and brutally martyred 150 people, including students, teachers and the principal of the school, Tahira Qazi.
Eight years have passed but the wounds of dear ones are still fresh. The everlasting pain in the hearts of all those who have lost their loved ones can be felt in the stories narrated as a remembrance by the mourners.
The father of Hassan Zeb says he has kept all the belongings of his son in a room. Childhood photos adorn Hassan’s room, where his uniforms, perfume and other items are also kept. But now there are only fond memories of the dear departed.
Farhat Abbas, a schoolteacher, was also martyred by the terrorists. Farhat heard gunshots and rushed to save her students but was shot at the stairs. Even today, the memory of Farhat Abbas saddens her family. The heroic example of a responsible and loving teacher that Farhat has set will always be remembered.
Another brave daughter of the nation, Beenish, was martyred while trying to save the lives of children as she stood in front of them like a shield, to not let the terrorists touch her dear pupils in the auditorium hall. Beenish was awarded Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery) for creating a new story of valour in Pakistan’s history.
Five-year-old Osama Tahir Awan was also martyred and the wounds of Osama’s parents are still fresh. The items used by Osama -- medals, books and cameras -- are still there as prized possession for his parents.
Fall of Dhaka
Dec 16 also reminds us of one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Pakistan as 51 years ago, it was dismembered in 1971. The East Pakistan was dismembered and later became Bangladesh. In the 1970 elections, East Pakistan’s Sheikh Mujibur Rahman got a majority but the transfer of power could not be accomplished. India took advantage of the opportunity and launched ‘Operation Jackpot’ and the war resulted in dismemberment of Pakistan.
