Islamabad - Sadness and gloom prevailed all schools and colleges both public and private in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and prayers were offered for the innocent children and victims of school attack in Peshawar. Attendance remained thin in all institutions while special gatherings and references were held for the victims. Teachers wore black armbands to condemn the horrific attack on children and two minutes silence was observed in assemblies for the departed souls. Some colleges were having sports week that was suspended.
Students are terrified and feeling insecure, said Mehreen Waqas from Islamabad Model College for Girls F-10/2. “Words are not enough to express feelings about this horrific incident. It was the worst day for all of us and not only for the victims.”
Another student from Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-10/4, Umer Yar Khan, demanded of the government and security officials to make secure all educational institutions so that the children can learn in a safe environment without any fears.  In a special gathering at Islamabad Model Postgraduate College H-8, Principal Khursheed Ahmad Shakoori urged the students to be vigilant keeping in view the security situation and inform college administration if they feel any suspicious activity around them.
The students of the college prayed for the families of the victims and shared the grief and sorrow in condemning the dastardly acts of terrorism. The students gathered in college auditorium and offered Dua.
The vice-principal of the college Professor Izhar-ul-Hassan Bokhari said, “Our hearts go out to the families of victims of this despicable tragedy.”
We condemn the assassination of young students and urge the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
President of Private Schools Network Mohammad Afzal Babur announced that private schools affiliated with the network will remain closed on Thursday to show solidarity with Peshawar attack victims.
All Private Schools and Colleges Association announced the schools will remain open but a day of prayer will be observed in all schools and colleges. Central President of the Association Malik Abrar said this attack was not on a school but on the educational system of Pakistan. He said on Thursday ‘Youm-e-Dua’ will be observed and special prayers will be held in all private educational institutions.
Global System Of Integrated Studies - GSIS School and College GSIS students and teachers also got together for a candlelight vigil outside its campus in memory of Peshawar massacre.
Principal GSIS Quratul Ain said children should not be involved in wars and should not be used for politics. “Schools should remain a sacred and secure place of learning.” She stressed for enhanced security for all school systems.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Capital Administration & Development Division, Barrister Usman Ibrahim directed the vice chancellor of Zulfikar Bhutto Medical University-PIMS and executive director Polyclinic to immediately depart a 17-member medical team to Peshawar.