*Funeral in absentia offered for martyrs of Peshawar terror attack in different parts of city
*Business leaders call for effective counter-terror policy to avoid such incidents in future
Citizen on Wednesday offered Ghaibana Namaz-i-Janaza (funeral in absentia) of martyrs of the tragic terror attack on Peshawar Army Public School and College on Tuesday that left 149 dead of which 133 were students below the age of 18.
A minute silence was observed in all the private/public schools of the province while traders and business community across the province condemned the terror, called for an effective counter-terror policy and kept their business closed to pay respect to the martyrs.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP, CITIZENS ATTEND FUNERAL IN ABSENTIA AT BADSHAHI MOSQUE:
Ghaibana Namaz-i-Janaza at Badshahi Mosque was led by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad led the funeral prayer. Acting Punjab Governor Rana Muhammad Iqbal, provincial ministers Mian Mujtabaur Rehman and Rana Mashood Ahmad, National Assembly Member (MNA) Pervaiz Malik, Ahmad Hasaan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhaira, Chief City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Muhammad Amin Wains and a large number of people from different walks of life attended it.
ONE MINUTE SILENCE OBSERVED IN CITY SCHOOLS:
Condolence references to express solidarity with heirs of the martyrs of Peshawar school incident were separately held on Wednesday at MAO College and Central Model High School.
Punjab Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed along with the authorities of school and higher education, heads of educational institutions and a number of students attended the references.
Prayers were offered and one minute silence was observed to express solidarity with the cause of struggle against terrorism in Pakistan.
Mashhood, in his address to the participants of both the references, reiterated the nation’s resolve to meet the challenge of terrorism with complete unity. He said that the sacrifices of those who embraced martyrdom in this struggle will not go in vain.
“We will convert this agony into spirit to weed out the menace of terrorism, from our country. These elements will be dealt with iron hands and will be eliminated once for all, for which the whole nation has to play their role in making the concerted efforts in this regard,” the minister added.
BUSINESSES CLOSED, TRADERS MOURN:
The traders kept their businesses closed as every citizen in Pakistan expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.
The atmosphere in the city remained sorrowful as the nation witnessed the worst terror attack on innocent school children in Peshawar. Businesses across the province remained close while special ceremonies were held in the city to pray for the departed souls.
Shah Alam Market, Anarkali, Liberty Market, Mall Road, Hall Road, Baghban Pura Bazar, Firdous Market, Shadman Market, Mini Market and other shopping centres remained completely closed.
Traders arranged special ceremonies to pray for the children and people who lost their lives.
A tribute was paid to the martyrs of Peshawar attack at the morning assembly of various schools of the city while special prayers were offered after Zohr prayer in almost all the mosques.
The Christian community also conducted special prayers for the peace of martyred souls and fortitude for bereaved families.
BUSINESSMEN FOR CRUSHING TERRORISTS:
Meanwhile, business leaders on Wednesday also condemned the terror attack in Peshawar terming it worst form of terrorism in the history of the country.
SAARC Chamber Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik, TDAP chief SM Muneer, United Business Group nominee for FPCCI presidency Mian Idrees and others said this in a statement on Wednesday.
They expressed solidarity with the heirs of the martyrs and all others affected in the attack.
Extending their deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families, they announced cancellation of various functions for three days organised by different chambers of commerce and associations.
“We strongly condemn the inhumane attacks on innocent students and educators, and stands in solidarity with the Army and all who fight against the terrorists,” Iftikhar Ali Malik said.
This act of cruelty and brutality warrants a massive action against terrorists by security forces that have full support of the business community of Pakistan, he added.
The whole nation is with the armed forces and we all support our brave soldiers who saved many children from being killed putting their lives in danger, the meeting observed.
They also lauded the resolve of the government and all those including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who rushed to Peshawar as soon as the news of attack broke out.
The nation should have been in mourning from the day this killing etc; started. Was those killings not that grisly than Peshawar ? Was those 60,000 people killed till today not human ? Peshawar killing of kids are as heart-wrenching as those people including women, kids & poor people killed in similar circumstance.
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