Peshawar mayhem: school reopens, army chief greets kids

The Army Public School in Peshawar which was attacked by Taliban militants reopened today with a ceremony to remember the victims of the attack that killed at least 148 children on 16 December.

The violence carried out by seven Taliban militants has put a spotlight on whether the country can end the stubborn insurgency that kills and maims thousands every year (See: Taliban attack on Peshwar school kills 126).

The violence also horrified parents across the nation and prompted officials to implement tighter security at schools.

Actual classes are not expected to be held in the school until later this week, but the reopening ceremony was heavily attended by parents and their children amid tight security.

The chief of Pakistan's army, General Raheel Sharif, was inside the school to greet students, a military spokesman said on Twitter.

For many, attending school Monday morning was an act of defiance and proof that they would not be cowed in the face of Taliban threats to attack again.