LAHORE: Rallies, seminars and prayer (dua) ceremonies marked the first anniversary of the APS Peshawar tragedy here on Wednesday.

Sirens were played at 75 city points and all vehicles were halted at traffic signals at 10am, while oneminute silence was observed at all events to show solidarity with the martyred students.

The main function was held at the Aiwan-i-Iqbal where PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz spolce.

He said that the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of Peshawar would always be remembered andthe nation was determined to root out the menace of terrorism.

He said that there was a complete unity in the nation to make Pakistan a haven of peace.

He said that Pak army, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies were trying to ensure a safe future for the coming generations.

Mr Hamza said the nation was still grieved at the brutality committed against the innocent students of APS Peshawar.

The PML-N leader said that there was need to learn from this tragedy and promote unity in the nation.

He expressed solidarity with the parents of the martyrs and said that the nation saluted these brave personswho even after losing their children prayed for the solidarity of the country.

Renowned poet Amjad Islam Amjad presented his verses on `tum zinda ho` to the standing ovation of the audience.

Students of the dramatic society of Lahore College for Women University presented skits whereas Hamid Ali Khan and his son sang `yeh wada raha` A documentary comprising messages of the prime minister, chief of the army staff, chief minister and other notables was also screened.

Photographs of martyred male and female students were also displayed.

SECRETARIAT: A meeting of theAdministrative Secretaries` Committee chaired by Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal paid homage to the APS martyrs at the Civil Secretariat.

Mr Gondal said the Peshawar tragedy gave a new spirit to the nation for fighting terrorism, adding the whole nation was united in the war against terrorism.

Administrative secretaries said that such acts of terrorism could not shalce determination of people.

They admired the valour and bravery of the law-enforcing agencies in combating terrorism.

A resolution in recognition of Punjab government`s efforts to fight terrorism, success of Operation Zarb-iAzab, and meritorious services of Shuja Khanzada was also presented in the meeting.

Dua for the victims of Peshawar massacre was also arranged.

The main rally was organized at the Charing Cross on The Mall, which was led by DCO Muhammad Usman and DIG (Operations) Haider Ashraf.

Wapda worl(ers commemorated the martyr day by holding a meeting at the Bakhtiar Labour Hall. It was addressed by Khurshid Ahmed, Muhammad Younus, Sajid Kazmi, Malik Zubair and others.

PIA employees during their protest against the proposed privatization of the national airliner also raised slogans to show solidarity with the Peshawar martyrs.

JUP activists led by Qari Bahadurtook out a rally at the Liberty Roundabout, while Tanzeem Ittehad-iUmmat held a candle-lit vigil at Charing Cross.

Minhajul Quran and Pakistan Awami Tehreek organized a function in Model Town to pay tributes to the martyrs. Begum Abida Husain, Dr Hussain Mohiyuddin and Bahar Begum (heroine of Punjabi films in 60s and 70s) spoke on the occasion.

Small traders also held a ceremony on The Mall while several functions were arranged at Garrison Academy, Fazaia Intermediate College and other educationalinstitutionsacrossthe city.

Meanwhile,LahoreCorpsCommander Lieutenant General Sadiq Ali said the massacre of 147 students and teachers of APS proved to be one of the most defining moments in national history.

According to a press release, he said the commemorative day reminded the nation how both students and teachers jointly faced the attack with courage,dignity and pride thus leaving behind a message of sacrifice, resilience and hope for generations to come.

He was addressing a commemoration ceremony that was organised by Lahore Garrison Education Institution in Lahore Cantt.

`The supreme sacrifices rendered by the APS students strengthened our national resolve and determination that we cannot be deterred by such cowardly acts of terrorism and shall defeat the forces of extremism and illiteracy with full force no matter what the cost,` he said.

Earlier, Lahore Garrison Education System Chairman retired Maj Gen Liaquat Ali paid a tribute to the victims of APS and said the motto of army public schools and colleges, `We Shall Rise and Shine`, embodied the strength of students to fight and defeat the forces of obscurantism with even more commitment, and pursue the path of knowledge with even greater vigour.