Karachi, On the ninth anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack at the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens stand united in their resolve to combat terrorism and defend the nation against external threats.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the APS attack on December 16, 2014, orchestrated by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and resulting in the loss of over 140 lives, including students and teachers, was a turning point for Pakistan. It is now believed that this attack was planned and financed by India’s secret agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), with the mastermind Mullah Fazal Ullah and other collaborators allegedly coordinating with RAW and NDS (National Directorate of Security of the former Afghan government) handlers in Afghanistan.
In response to the APS tragedy, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership formulated the National Action Plan, launching significant anti-terrorist operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Rad-ul-Fassad. These efforts were aimed at eradicating terrorist elements from the country.
Pakistan, having lost over 70,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion due to terrorism, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate this threat. Peshawar, in particular, has borne the brunt of numerous terrorist attacks, with the APS incident being the most devastating.
The country has consistently presented evidence to the international community, detailing India’s alleged involvement in sponsoring terrorism on Pakistani soil. This includes specific information such as bank accounts, Indian nationals involved, and locations of training camps for the TTP, Baloch insurgents, and other groups.
A security analyst recently disclosed that RAW invested $1 million in merging the TTP with four other militant groups to conduct terrorist activities in Pakistan. India is also accused of financially supporting Baloch separatists and activists, using think tanks in Afghanistan and other channels.
Furthermore, the Pakistani government has accused India of orchestrating attacks to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), alleging substantial RAW investment in various militant groups for this purpose.
As Pakistan remembers the victims of the APS attack, the nation, including its leaders and civil society, honors the memories of the martyred children and teachers. This somber anniversary reinforces the country’s commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding its sovereignty and peace.