The APS probe: Over 100 statements recorded

 

The judicial commission, probing the 2014 attack on Peshawar’s Army Pubic School, has recorded over a 100 statements, to date.

Formed on October 5, on the directives of the Supreme Court, the commission is tasked to thoroughly probe one of Pakistan’s deadliest terror attacks that killed 141 people, 134 of them children.

The brutal attack was a watershed moment for the country. Thereafter, a military operation was launched in the tribal belt of Pakistan to cleanse it of foreign and local militants. A National Action Plan (NAP) was also drafted and several terrorists who facilitated the carnage have been tried and executed.

Yet, for the last four years, grieving parents of the martyred children have been demanding an inquiry report that answers questions, about security lapses on the day of the attack and official warnings prior to the seven militants storming the school premises.

Earlier this year, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar met the protesting parents and appointed Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan of the Peshawar High Court to led an inquiry.

Over 100 people, including survivors, witnesses, families of the martyred, and officers of the Counter-Terrorism Department have been interviewed, so far.

The commission had six weeks, from the day of its formation, to complete the probe, which ended in November. However, this month, the commission asked for another two weeks to compile its findings.

The final date of submission now is December 20.