Islamabad (HRNW) — President Asif Ali Zardari has paid tribute to the victims of terrorism and expressed solidarity with survivors, families and communities whose lives have been permanently affected by terrorist violence.
In his message on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, August 21, 2026, the President said Pakistan has paid an enormous price in the fight against terrorism, with tens of thousands of people losing their lives over more than two decades.
President Zardari said the victims included children, political leaders, members of the armed forces, law enforcement personnel, first responders and public servants. He specifically recalled Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the innocent children and teachers of Army Public School Peshawar, saying their sacrifices remain part of Pakistan’s national memory.
He noted that Pakistani citizens and security personnel continue to make sacrifices, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and saluted their courage while expressing solidarity with every family that has lost a loved one to terrorism.
The President stressed that no religion, faith, sect, ideology, grievance, cause or political objective can justify the killing of innocent people. He called for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to be condemned without distinction.
He urged the international community to ensure that no territory is used to perpetrate terrorism against another country and that terrorist organizations receive no sanctuary, financing, weapons, logistical assistance or other forms of external support.
President Zardari emphasized that remembrance must be accompanied by responsibility and recovery. He said victims and survivors often face lifelong physical injuries, psychological trauma, loss of livelihood, interrupted education and social isolation.
He called for sustained access to medical and psychosocial care, education, rehabilitation, legal assistance and livelihood opportunities so victims can rebuild their lives with dignity.
The President said Pakistan remains committed to developing a coordinated and survivor-centred support system. He also emphasized the responsible use of technology to make information, assistance and rehabilitation services more accessible to victims and their families.
“Supporting victims of terrorism is not an act of charity,” the President said, stressing that it is a matter of justice, human dignity and national responsibility.
He called upon government institutions, healthcare and educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, media and development partners to work together to provide sustained support to victims and their families.
President Zardari further stressed that the fight against terrorism must address extremism, intolerance and hatred, including social, ethnic and religious discrimination that can be exploited by extremists to promote division and violence.
He said terrorism cannot be defeated through security measures alone and called for building a society where young people are protected from radicalisation and differences of ethnicity, religion, sect or political belief never become a justification for violence.
The President concluded by stressing that no child should inherit the fear, trauma or hatred created by terrorism.
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