As people across Pakistan are observing the 5th anniversary of the APS carnage, it is important to see how this one incident changed the national security definition of Pakistan for good.
On 16th December 2014, six terrorists carried out a horrific attack on the Army Public School(APS), killing 132 innocent children and 17 staff members including the Principal.
The militants, wearing paramilitary uniforms, entered through the rear wall of the school and opened fire in all directions. Killing 144 lives most of which were innocent children. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Tahrik-i-Taliban Pakistan led by Mullah Fazlullah
In the events followed the attack, an All-Parties conference was called and a document named National Action Plan was created. The nation as a whole agreed to eradicate militancy, terrorism, and extremism in all their manifestations. The attack saw a shift in the public opinion and subsequently, the national security policy.
Armed forces of Pakistan intensified their operation Zarb-e-Azb in the tribal belt where these banned outfits used to operate openly. National Action Plan was implemented with full force from thereafter.
On the fifth anniversary of that un-fateful day, Pakistanis are making a pledge to never forget the carnage. Words from President, Prime Minister, and Chief of Army Staff pay tribute to the families of victims and renewal of the pledge to eradicate extremism and militancy completely.