Shaheer Ahmed
16th December is known as a black day in Pakistan. What happened seven years ago today at APS Peshawar is still etched in our minds; we cannot forget it, and nor will we. The memories of the day still seem fresh and wounds just don’t seem to heal.
But what did we learn from it? No one can deny the absolute tragedy that it was, but it did bring us together in the end. Pakistan and the people of Pakistan came forward for the children and the teachers who lost their lives and provided all the financial and emotional support that they could provide to the families.
Before the incident, such trouble makers or hideous elements would often seek refuge in remote areas of this resilient country even after plotting against it. However, the judiciary, the army, and the government took immediate action with this incident. The responsible people were all caught and given well-deserved treatment. It was after this dark day that ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ got more purpose and ignited a special fire for our law enforcement agencies to eradicate this menace from our beautiful country. After successful completion of Zarb-e-Azb our army launched another successful operation by the name of Radd-ul-Fasaad.
Imran Khan Sahib and all the government officials made statements. There were nationwide candlelight vigils in the wake of those children. People all over Pakistan mourned the death of those children.
In some ways, this tragedy brought together the people and woke them up. Everyone understood and realized that the children are our future and that they need to be protected at all costs.
What happened that day was hard, dark, and unforgettable. Even after seven years, people come together every year on 16th December and pray for the children. Everyone remembers the sacrifices, and no one, will ever forget or forgive the people responsible.
In the end, people often wonder what we can do for them? For the children, the teachers, and the mothers? As difficult as it all is, the best we can do is pray for the children and try to help educate a child wherever possible. We can respect those mothers’ privacy and understand that we do not have to ask them to talk on this day. We can all mourn and pray silently.
We hope and pray that nothing of this sort ever happens to not only us but to any human anywhere. No mother, father, sister, brother, teacher, or staff should have to go through this. We hope for better days to come!
Also read: A letter to my younger self! – Neemopani
