APS attack has united Pakistan in fight against terror: PM Imran Khan

• PM Khan said APS attack united Pakistan in its fight against terrorism
• The PM inaugurated a cardio hospital and a stadium in Peshawar during his day-long trip
• He is set to officially commence several other projects and will also chair a KP cabinet meeting

PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the devastating Army Public School (APS) attack — that shook the entire country back in 2014 – has united Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a cardiological institute in Peshawar, the premier said that after the gruesome attack that killed hundreds of children, the nation decided to combat terrorism together.

The PM is currently on a day-long visit to Peshawar to inaugurate multiple projects.

“After the APS attack in 2014, our people had decided to fight the war against terrorism together and now you can see that the law-and-order situation of the country is completely different,” he maintained.

The country observes the sixth anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack on Army Public School (APS) Peshawar today.

Six years ago today, on December 16, 2014, 147 people — including 132 schoolchildren — were massacred in what is known as the "deadliest terrorist attack in Pakistan’s history" when terrorists stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar Cantonment and opened indiscriminate fire.

‘Remarkable initiative to introduce health cards in KP’

Aside from the cardiology institute, PM Imran Khan also inaugurated an ICC-standard cricket stadium in Hayatabad Sports Complex, Peshawar.

Congratulating the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mehmood Khan on the completion of the institute despite having limited funds and resources, the prime minister said that the absence of a heart hospital in the province until now was an injustice to people.

“Looking at the facilities, it seems that patients will also come from Afghanistan for treatment,” he added.

PM Khan said that the government’s decision to roll out health cards for the impoverished segment of society is a brilliant initiative as it will produce long-term benefits.

“Nothing can be more beneficial for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa than the facilities provided under the health card. The whole household goes below the poverty line if there is a disease outbreak in the family,” PM Imran said, lamenting that heart diseases and cancer cause most deaths worldwide.

“Health card will revolutionise Pakistan, hospitals will be built everywhere in the country,” the premier asserted.

Read more: PM Imran Khan notes with concern Peshawar hospital incident, calls NCC meeting: sources

KP Cabinet meeting

The PM is also set to chair a meeting of the KP cabinet, where he will be briefed on the Kamyab Jawan Programme performance in the northwestern province. He will also attend a cheque distributing ceremony. 

In addition, PM Imran Khan will also inaugurate a high-ruse flats scheme under the Provincial Housing Authority in Jalozai, Nowshera.

Read more: PM Imran Khan vows to uplift tribal areas, poor sections in line with 'state of Madina' principles