The main function to mark the day was held at Army Public School in Peshawar. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif attended the ceremony.

Must read: Remembering the APS martyrs

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan among other political leaders were also in attendance at the ceremony in Peshawar.

The chief ministers of all four provinces were called to the stage one by one to distribute special medals and honourary degrees among the heirs of APS attack martyrs.

While CJCS Gen Rashad Mahmood distributed medals among heirs of martyred APS staff.

PM vows to root out terrorism

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said it was high time to root out terrorism. He said Operation Zarb-i-Azb has broken the back of terrorists. He said the day is not far-off when terrorism will be completely eliminated.

The Prime Minister said the 16th December incident has united the whole nation and determined the future course for Pakistan.

He announced to observe this day as the Day of National Resolve to promote Education. He said we have to eradicate the darkness of obscurantism and lay the foundation of Pakistan, depicting on love, affection and tolerance.

Nawaz Sharif paid tributes to the armed forces for waging a valiant campaign against terrorism under the leadership of Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.

He said the people are also fighting shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces against terrorism and are rendering tremendous sacrifices.

He said the Government and security forces are making serious efforts to wipe out crimes and restore peace in Karachi.

Holiday announced

All the federal educational institutions are observing Martyrs of Army Public School Day, while public holiday has been declared in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Read more: Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan announce holiday on APS martyrs’ anniversary

In honour of the fallen souls, the Prime Minter has approved to rename 122 schools and colleges of the Islamabad Capital Territory after martyrs of Army Public School.

The government has also announced to rename 10 schools in Punjab while 5 in FATA in the memory of the martyred students.