ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday joined the international community in observing the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paying tribute to victims and reaffirming the country’s unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism in all its forms.
In separate messages, both leaders honored the memory of thousands of Pakistanis who lost their lives in terrorist attacks and expressed solidarity with survivors and families whose lives have been permanently affected by violence.
President calls support for victims a matter of justice
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan had paid an enormous price in its fight against terrorism over the past two decades, with tens of thousands of civilians and security personnel sacrificing their lives.
Recalling national tragedies, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the Army Public School Peshawar attack, the president said, “Terrorism had left lasting scars on Pakistan’s national memory.”
He further said, “Pakistanis, particularly citizens and security personnel serving in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, continue to make sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.”
The president stressed that no religion, ideology, political objective or grievance could ever justify the killing of innocent people.
He also called on the international community to ensure that no country’s territory is used for terrorism against another state and that terrorist groups receive no sanctuary, financing, weapons or logistical support.
Highlighting this year’s global theme, which focuses on victim-led digital initiatives, President Zardari said technology should be used responsibly to improve access to information, rehabilitation and support services for victims and their families.
He emphasized that supporting victims was “a matter of justice, human dignity and national responsibility,” calling for coordinated efforts by government institutions, healthcare providers, educational institutions, civil society, media and development partners.
PM says Pakistan has suffered immense human and economic losses
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan stood in solidarity with victims of terrorism across the world and paid tribute to all those who had suffered because of the scourge.
He said, “Terrorism remained one of the gravest challenges facing humanity, adding that innocent civilians, members of the armed forces, law enforcement personnel and first responders had all made immense sacrifices in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.”
The prime minister noted that Pakistan’s losses were not limited to precious human lives, saying, “Terrorism had also imposed a heavy economic and social burden and hindered the country’s development and prosperity.”
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to continue its fight until terrorism is completely eradicated.
Call for global cooperation against terrorism
The prime minister said no religion, civilization or faith advocates terrorism, describing terrorist acts as manifestations of inhuman ideologies.
He emphasized that unconditional condemnation of terrorism and effective international cooperation were essential for eliminating the menace.
Sharif also highlighted the importance of physical, psychological and social rehabilitation of victims, saying the Government of Pakistan had established a comprehensive support system for martyrs, their families and victims of terrorism despite limited resources.
He said ensuring timely access to healthcare, rehabilitation and essential civic services remained a top government priority.
Both leaders urged national and international institutions to strengthen efforts against terrorism, extremism, intolerance and hatred while promoting peace, pluralism, human dignity and the rule of law.