Commemorative Week : Lahoris take to roads in solidarity with APS victims

LAHORE: The sixth day of the ‘Commemorative Week’ on Tuesday was marked with two big rallies, in which thousand of citizen gave message to the terrorist that incident like APS Peshawar attack would not discourage their motive to end terrorism from the country.

Civil societies, Punjab Ranger and educational institutions also organised special ceremonies, rallies, seminars and debate competition in the other parts of the city. The main rally was organised by the City District Government Lahore (CDGL), which started from Quaid-e-Azam Library and ended at Charring Cross, Mall Road. Meanwhile, the Punjab government announced holiday in all public schools across Punjab.

A torch-bearing rally was led by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore caption (r) Muhammad Usman, in which DIG Operation Dr Haider Ashraf, Test Cricketer Wahab Riaz, TV anchor Faisal Qureshi, lawyers, students, teachers, women, civil society organisations and thousand of people belonging to different walks of life were present.

The participants of the rally paid rich tributes to the martyrs of APS and kept red roses under the banner, which was inscribed with the pictures of martyrs. On the occasion, participated also watched a short film on the martyrs.

Addressing the ceremony, the DCO Lahore said that purpose of the rally was to show solidarity with the victims of APS and their families and to give a message to the terrorist that they cannot forcefully dominate the society. He said that the government and Pakistan Army would not sit silent until complete elimination of terrorists and their activities. “This nation is united on one platform and one agenda against terrorists after the APS incident. The struggle will continue against religious extremism, religious intolerance and terrorism and we will make Pakistan a peaceful place for all the citizens without any discrimination,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) also arranged special ceremonies in remembrance of APS Peshawar martyrs in all the schools under the aegis of Rangers. “Debating Competition – 2015” between the students of Ranger’s Public Schools was held at Rangers Headquarters (Punjab) Lahore.

Pakistan Rangers Punjab Director General Maj Gen Umar Farooq Burki said that only education is the light that can vanquish darkness of ignorance and terrorism. He said that the supreme sacrifices of innocent martyrs have strengthened our resolve to continue the mission of education undeterred.

“At Rangers Public Schools, we make an endeavour not only to educate but also to enlighten students to become useful citizen of future.” he said, adding that the martyred students of APS are the pride for the nation, teachers and parents.

Separately, Rwadari Tehreek also took out a rally that started in front of Punjab Assembly and ended on Masjid Shuhada. They demanded the government to declare 16th December as a “National Day Against Extremism and Terrorism.”

Prominent social, religious and political personalities participated in the rally, including Rwadari Tehreek Chairman Samson Salamat, President Abdullah Malik, Awami Workers Party Secretary General Farooq Tariq, Pastor Shahid Miraj (Vicar- Cathedral Church), Hindu Sudhar Sabha President Amarnath Randhawa and Women Concern Network President Sabira Asmat.

The participants, who were carrying anti- terrorism banners and placards, chanted slogans and demanded the implementation of the National Action Plan in letter and spirit. They expressed solidarity with the families of the innocent children and teachers who sacrificed their lives at the Army Public School and in other incidents of terrorism.