LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that the sacrifices of the Army Public School student martyrs became a decisive factor in the war against terror.

The former prime minister gave the message on the third anniversary of the APS students, saying that the grief of the martyrs will remain alive in the heart of the nation.

He said that the nation is with the parents of the martyred children in their sorrow.

On December 16, 2014, terrorists stormed the army-run school and killed around 150 people, including more than 130 young students.

The incident shook the country and resulted in the formation of a National Action Plan to stem extremism and terrorism from the country, as well as the creation of military courts to try 'hardcore' terrorists.

Nawaz to return on Sunday

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam and granddaughter Mahnoor will be arriving back in Pakistan on Sunday morning.

Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan on Sunday

Former prime minister will arrive in Lahore on Sunday morning

Nawaz Sharif had departed for London on December 4 after being exempted from appearing before the court to attend to his ailing wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz.

Sharif had been granted exemption from appearing before the court till December 12. The last hearing for the case was conducted on the 11th and the next will be held on December 19.