Two Years Today: We Will #NeverForget the Innocent Children of the Army Public School
It is a day imprinted in the memories of all Pakistanis, of all humanity, in fact – the day when 132 innocent children never went home from school. An event that unfolded like a nightmare ended in a tragedy of proportions this country had not seen.
Innocence was snuffed out in an assault that defies humanity. The children were gunned down by nine terrorists in their school building on an ordinary school day, along with their principal and several teachers. When the attack happened, the children had just returned to their classes after mid-morning recess.
No one can imagine the pain of the mothers, fathers and siblings from whom these angels were torn away with such ferocious intent. The youngest little girl, Khaula, was just six-years old. The school children ranged from age six to 20-years old. Most of them were male.
Pakistani relatives of schoolchildren killed in a Taliban attack on the Army Public School (APS) protest against delays in the investigation in Peshawar on February 7, 2015. Hundreds of parents, students and civil society members Saturday protested outside a Pakistani school over "sluggish" investigation into a massacre in which 153 people were killed, witnesses said. AFP PHOTO / A MAJEED / AFP / A Majeed.
How do Pakistanis mend the wounds of a tragic event of this nature? We must continue to honour the memories of those slain so mercilessly. We must continue to support the families who lost their children to this horror. Peacebuilding, dialogue, and help to the families and survivors of this attack should continue to remain a priority for Pakistanis here and abroad – to demonstrate solidarity and support for this heinous crime against humanity.
Rest in peace, angels…
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