Islamabad: A shocked Pakistan today began observing three days of national mourning for the 141 people, mostly children, massacred by the Taliban suicide attackers in horrendous terror attack in northwestern city of Peshawar.
All educational institutions were closed in the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, of which Peshawar is the capital, in the aftermath of the tragedy that has shaken the world.
The national flag was flying at half-mast due to three days of mourning announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In rest of the country, most of the schools were open where silence was observed during the morning gatherings.
Candle-lit vigils were observed in different cities, including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, to condemn the attack and express sympathy with the bereaved families.
People from all walks of life united to condemn the attack, as politicians joined hands to stand up against terror.
The burial of the victims started last night and will continue today. A large number of people are expected to attend the funeral prayers.
The terror act had brought condemnation even from the close allies of the Tehreek-e-Taliban who claimed responsibility of the attack.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in a statement said that his group sympathised with the victims.
These militants seldom in the past issue a statement over the attacks in Pakistan.
Pakistan Taliban militants led by Mullah Fazlullah consider Mullah Omer, chief of Afghan Taliban, as their supreme leader.
The attack is expected to unite the divisive nation and built pressure on army to wipe out the distinction of “good and bad Taliban”, which is believed to be the main cause of militancy in Pakistan and the region.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif is chairing a high-level meeting of political and security experts to discuss the strategy to deal with militancy.
At least 141 people, including 132 students, were brutally killed by militants who stormed an army-run school in Peshawar yesterday.
Radio Pakistan reported that the meeting will discuss ways to form a strategy to stop terrorist activities and flush out all terrorists from the country.
It will also review measures to beef up security for all important buildings, education institutions and to protect life and property of the people.
Sharif yesterday said the act of terror would not dent the resolve to commitment of his government to eliminate all terrorists.
He vowed to take revenge of every drop of blood spilled by the rebels.
PTI
