By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A martyrs’ conference was held in Dera Ismail Khan on 16 December to honour those killed in the Army Public School (APS) attack, with speakers paying tribute to their sacrifices and calling for national unity against extremism.
The event took place at a private marriage hall under the auspices of Peace Committee chairman and former provincial minister Haji Abdul Haleem Khan Qasuria. It was organised by chief organiser Chaudhry Shahid Raj, while Station Commander Brigadier Muhammad Abubakar attended as the chief guest.
Among those present were DIG Dera Region Syed Ashfaq Anwar, Commissioner Dera Division Dawood Khan, DPO Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, religious scholars, families of the martyrs, senior military and police officers, and a large number of citizens from civil society. Families of the APS martyrs were specially invited and paid tribute for their unparalleled sacrifices.
Addressing the gathering, Brigadier Muhammad Abubakar said martyrs were the pride of the nation and that Pakistan’s creation was the result of countless sacrifices. He said the fight against terrorism was not the responsibility of the armed forces alone but a collective national struggle, stressing that unity was essential to eliminate the menace. He also highlighted the role of religious scholars, saying their cooperation was vital in countering extremist ideologies such as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Haji Abdul Haleem Khan Qasuria said the day was a reminder of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and an opportunity to renew the nation’s pledge to their cause. He said nations were built through sacrifice rather than infrastructure, and described martyrdom as a great blessing. Paying tribute to the mothers, widows and children of the martyrs, he assured them that the entire nation stood with them. He said the sacrifices of the armed forces had ensured peace for the people of Pakistan and urged citizens to cooperate fully with security institutions.
DIG Syed Ashfaq Anwar said living nations never forget their martyrs, adding that members of the security forces did not lay down their lives for salaries but out of love for the homeland. He called on the nation to set aside differences and unite in remembrance of the martyrs’ noble deeds.
Commissioner Dawood Khan said that while death was preordained, Pakistan’s martyrs had sacrificed their lives out of true patriotism. He said hostile elements had tried to destabilise the region but were met with resilience and courage by the security forces. Urging vigilance, he called on citizens to report suspicious activities to the authorities, describing the occasion as a day of renewed commitment.
The conference concluded with a special prayer led by Maulana Siraj Ahmed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for peace and security in the country, as participants reaffirmed their resolve for unity, peace and stability in Pakistan.
