PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said that our resolve was unflinching and we would not rest till total elimination of terrorists from every nook and corner of the Country.
“My message to enemies of our country is that our resolve is unflinching and we will chase these savages to their last bastion,” COAS emphasised while speaking in a ceremony held at Peshawar’s Army Public School (APS) on Friday to pay homage to the martyrs of APS tragedy.
“We will not rest till their (terrorists) total elimination from every nook and corner of the motherland,” the COAS said.
The second anniversary of Peshawar’s APS martyred children is being observed across the Country on Friday as on December 16, 2014, terrorists attacked the School and martyred 144 children including their teachers.
Therefore, various functions are being arranged to pay homage to the martyred children.
In the ceremony at APS Peshawar, the COAS was the chief guest and on the occasion he laid a floral wreath at the martyrs monument and offered Fateha for the departed souls.
Later, he joined the families of shuhada, large gathering of locals, school children and staff for Quran Khawani within school premises.
Speaking on the occasion, the COAS said that the terror attack on innocent children of the school was an attack on the humanity and the most painful and unforgettable moment in our history.
The Army Chief said that terrorists tried to demoralize the nation and armed forces by attacking the softest target.
“We will never forget our children and thousands others who sacrificed in our fight against terrorism,” General Bajwa said.
The COAS said that “While our heart goes with all affected families, I personally draw my motivation from this huge sacrifice.”
Expressing his sentiments, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that “He shared grief of all affected families as a father and a brother”.
The COAS assured the parents of Shaheed Children that armed forces along with whole nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them during these testing times.
“We are trying our best to render all necessary assistance to the next of Kins of Shuhada and we will continue our efforts,” he said.
The COAS said that education is a prerequisite for progress of any nation and army will continue to contribute towards provision of quality education.
“Armed forces are guarantor of defence of the country and we will not leave any stone unturned to fulfil our duty,” the COAS added.
Earlier on arrival, he was received by Commander of Peshawar Corps Lt General Hidayat ur Rehman.