CHILDREN returned today to the Peshawar school where seven Taliban gunmen killed 150 of their classmates and teachers on December 16.

It was the first time the school had opened since the assault and security was tight. A ceremony was held at the school to mark its reopening but classes won’t begin until tomorrow.

Pakistan has been reeling from the terrorist attack against the military-run school, which was one of the worst the nation has experienced.

Schools around the country have raised boundary walls, added armed guards and installed metal detectors, though many have questioned why it took such an attack to focus attention on school safety.

The government has stepped up military operations in the tribal areas, reinstated the death penalty and allowed military courts to try civilians — all in a bid to crack down on terrorism.

Gunmen killed seven soldiers in south-western Baluchistan province today, underscoring the ongoing dangers facing Pakistan.