Asif Ali Zardari: “Defending the country’s borders and eliminating terrorism were among the government’s top priorities.”

Today, as we pay tribute to the great sacrifices of our martyrs, we renew our resolve to defend Pakistan’s freedom, sovereignty and security at all costs.

I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

I call for a comprehensive investigation into the collapse and stress the need to ensure school buildings meet safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.

The entire nation shares the grief of the affected families in this hour of sorrow.