Pakistan Shuts Schools as Terror Threat Looms on APS Anniversary
[Islamabad] Pakistani authorities closed all private and public schools in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore on Monday after receiving intelligence of possible suicide attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. Officials say the closures, set on the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar, are intended to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
A classified report from the country’s intelligence agencies warned that terrorist groups might target high-profile locations, including schools, on the APS anniversary. The TTP and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar are believed to be using this date as a pretext to stage new attacks.
The move to shut educational institutions comes as security forces step up operations to protect the public. In a recent statement, the Armed Forces Media Wing said, “Security forces have successfully eliminated 43 terrorists in recent operations since December 9.” These intensive intelligence-based operations have dealt a major blow to TTP and other militant networks in Balochistan, reducing their ability to carry out attacks.
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Intelligence sources warned, “In response to the recent escalation of military operations by the Pakistan Army against terrorist groups, there is growing concern that militants may attempt retaliatory acts designed to inflict significant casualties, particularly targeting military personnel.” This concern mirrors the tactics used by TTP in 2014, when the group attacked APS Peshawar after the army intensified operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Officials caution that such groups could again try to strike vulnerable targets, including schools, to undermine national stability. The 2014 APS massacre, on December 16 of that year, remains one of the worst terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s history. Gunmen from TTP stormed the school, killing 150 people, including 132 children. This attack shocked Pakistan and the world and brought the brutality of these groups into sharp focus.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in a message marking the 10th anniversary, expressed deep sorrow over the APS attack. He said it was not only an assault on children and the nation’s future but also a deliberate attempt to spread chaos. Zardari said the day left an indelible mark on the national memory and strengthened Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating extremism and called for international cooperation against it.
Shafqat Kiyani, a Rawalpindi-based analyst, told The Media Line, “The anniversary of the APS attack remains a sensitive and significant event in Pakistan’s struggle against terrorism.” Kiyani said, “It is feared that such groups could exploit this date to intensify their attacks, aiming to amplify their ideological propaganda and further destabilize the region.” He added, “Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies are likely to heighten their vigilance and take measures to prevent any such attacks.”
