Two years after a deadly attack on Peshawar's Army Public School (APS), a memorial was held at the premises Friday morning to mourn and remember those who had been killed.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Jawed Bajwa was the chief guest on the occasion who laid a floral wreath at the monument and offered Fateha for the departed souls.

Later he joined the families of the victims at a large gathering of locals, school children and staff for Quran Khawani within school premises.

Gen Bajwa offering fateha at the memorial. — ISPR

While addressing the ceremony the current principal of APS Peshawar said, "That time (of the attack) was very difficult for the whole country. It felt as though we would never be able to come out of this pain. But we came out of that time better and stood strong in front of the enemy."

APS Peshawar memorial ceremony. — DawnNews

Paying tribute to the 144 victims, mostly school children, she said, "We have not forgotten our children, our brave Principal, Tahira Kazi and the young soldiers whose martyrdom strengthened the country. Today, we have gathered to present a tribute to the martyrs. We will always remember them and make this loss a sign of courage and a sign that guides us to success."

I keep their pictures in my office so I remember the loss: COAS Qamar Jawed Bajwa

Speaking at the memorial the COAS said, "We need to make Pakistan the kind of country that Quaid thought of. We can never forget these children, I have photos of them in my office and keep looking at them periodically to remind me of our losses."

COAS Bajwa speaking at the memorial. — DawnNews

"We need to remember that these children still live on, they are martyrs. We have organised this Quran Khwani this year, just like last year, we need to not forget this loss." he added.

"We have taken some steps to help the families these children left behind. The siblings of the martyred children are being provided the best possible education in Pakistan," said Gen Bajwa.

The Army chief concluded his address saying, "The armed forces are working day and night to make this country a better, safer place."

Army officers, school staff and parents of victims were also present at the memorial.

Gen Bajwa mingled with the families. — ISPR

Speaking at a memorial held in Islamabad, State Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb said, "The whole nation went through the pain that the families of the martyred children went through in 2014."

"After the attack, the National Action Plan was presented and implemented successfully. The Army has translated the Prime Minister's vision of the NAP into reality. We thank the soldiers that leave their homes to protect ours," she added.

At least 144 lives were lost in the Peshawar school massacre of December 16, 2014, the deadliest terrorist attack in Pakistan's history.

Two year on, the children go to school every day and the auditorium where most of the bloodshed took place, is now a sports hall. Soldiers stand atop fortified walls but the memory of the attack is still fresh.