Even after 10 years, the horror of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar terror attack is still etched in the memories of the survivors and the families of the dead.
On December 16, 2014, six terrorists attacked APS, killing around 150 innocent students and teachers.
Eyewitnesses and their families are still reeling from the horror of this atrocity. Some have used it as motivation to work harder in life, while others still have trouble fully recovering from it.
The story of Ahmed Khattak, who survived the attack that killed his brother, epitomizes resilience.
Khattak’s father said that despite enduring a major tragedy and excruciating pain, his son recovered and graduated with a BS in Political Science, proving that fear and terrorism can be defeated through education. .
Speaking to Geo News, Pervez Khattak said that he is determined to move forward and serve the country.
On the other hand, Tariq Jan, a father from Charsadda, is still struggling with his grief. She lost two children in this horrific incident.
He said that the morning of December 16 is always painful because I avoid eye contact with the family and try not to remember the martyred children.
“We are stuck between a rock and a hard place, because we cannot cry openly – neither at home nor outside.”
John revealed that his five children were studying at APS when the tragedy happened. The three surviving brothers of the two victims were so traumatized that two of them could not continue their education, although their parents were able to help one resume his education.
While the grief of their loss haunts him, John said the thought of their martyrdom gives him some comfort.