The National Assembly today passed a unanimous resolution, expressing resolve to observe the 16th of December as a National Day of remembrance for the martyrs of APS and all victims of terrorism in Pakistan.

The resolution, moved by Shazia Marri, recalled the brutal attack on the Army Public School Peshawar on 16th 2014 where 149 innocent lives including 132 children were mercilessly taken by terrorists.

The House acknowledged the unparalleled sacrifices by young martyrs, their teachers and staff, who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable brutality.

It paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the families of the martyrs, whose sacrifices became a symbol of our nation's unity and determination in the fight against terrorism.

It emphasized that the children of APS remind us of the heavy cost of terrorism and underscored the importance of ensuring that no child in Pakistan lives in fear of violence.

The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as the cornerstone of our national security and development.

It reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating terrorism and extremism from its soil through comprehensive, sustained and unified efforts.

The House called for enhancing the provision of security for educational institutions across the country, ensuring the schools remain safe sanctuaries for children to learn and grow without fear. It expressed commitment to strengthening anti-terrorism framework, improving intelligence coordination and ensuring justice for the victims of terrorism.

The House pledged unwavering support to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and all those who continue to make sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and peace of Pakistan.

It expressed solidarity with the families of the APS martyrs and victims of all terrorist incidents, ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

The House called upon the government and all political, social and civil society to unite in the collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and secure Pakistan free from the scourge of terrorism.

Earlier, the National Assembly was informed that Pakistan Railways registered record earnings of 87.5 billion rupees during the last fiscal year.

Responding to a question during the Question Hour in the House this evening, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Muhammad Usman Awaisi informed that it became possible through implementation of financial restructuring plans aimed at reducing operational costs, optimizing revenue generation and improving financial discipline.

The Parliamentary Secretary said passenger fare and freight tariffs have been indexed with fuel price. He said commercial management of thirteen trains has been outsourced for better efficiency and earning.

He further informed the House that e-ticketing App Railway Automated Booking and Travel Assistance has been introduced for ease of customers and better service delivery.

Usman Awaisi further said Pakistan Railways has developed long-term strategic plans to revitalize the rail sector, improve service quality, enhance safety standards and ensure sustainability in revenue generation.

He said up-gradation of ML-1, which is a rail link between Karachi and Peshawar, will increase the line’s capacity from thirty-four to one hundred and twenty trains per day.

The Parliamentary Secretary informed the House that eighty new high-capacity freight wagons and thirty-two passenger AC standard coaches will also be inducted this year to increase the revenue.

Meanwhile, the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024 aimed at the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy and digital governance was introduced in the House.

It was moved by Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja.  

Besides, The Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2024 was also introduced in the National Assembly.

Minister for Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif has expressed the confidence that PIA’s flights to the United Kingdom will be resumed soon.

Responding to a calling attention notice, he said an audit team is expected to visit Pakistan for this purpose. He said PIA’s flights to European Union countries have already been restored as a result of government sustained efforts.

Replying to another question, Parliamentary Secretary Cabinet Division Sajid Mehdi said the government is making efforts to launch 5-G technology in Pakistan by April next year to address the issue of slow internet speed.

The House will now meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.