Civil, military leadership pays tribute to KP police martyrs
Haqnawaz shinwari
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police on Wednesday held its central ceremony in Peshawar to commemorate Police Martyrs’ Day, with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi attending as the chief guest and paying tribute to personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony was attended by Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Umar Ahmed Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Tariq Saeed Khan Marwat, Inspector General Frontier Corps Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, FC Commandant Riyaz Nazir Hussain Garra, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, former police chiefs, squash champion Jansher Khan, families of martyrs, police veterans, senior civil and military officials and a large number of senior police officers.
Participants paid tribute to the sacrifices of police martyrs and offered prayers for those who lost their lives while protecting the province and its people. Addressing the ceremony, Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Umar Ahmed Bukhari praised the bravery, commitment and professional services of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police personnel, saying the sacrifices of martyrs were a guarantee of peace, stability and a secure future for the nation.
He said the entire nation was indebted to the martyrs and added that the country had been fighting the battle for its security and integrity for the past two decades. He expressed confidence that the nation would succeed in overcoming the challenges.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said nations could not become strong without a spirit of sacrifice. He said the provincial police had demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience despite difficult circumstances and challenges.
The IGP said the purpose of observing Police Martyrs’ Day was to remember officers who laid down their lives for the protection of citizens, the honour of the department and the security of the country. He said their sacrifices and traditions of bravery would continue to inspire future generations.
He added that the police, together with the public, would continue efforts to defeat terrorism and maintain peace in the province. “When the people and police stand united, no enemy can succeed in its designs,” he said.
Paying tribute to the families of martyrs, including parents, widows and children, Mr Hameed said their patience and sacrifices were a source of pride for the entire nation. He assured them that the police department would continue to support them through welfare initiatives, financial assistance, employment quotas and other facilities.
The IGP also praised police personnel who were injured during operations, describing them as valuable assets of the force who continued to serve despite their sacrifices.
He thanked the provincial government for taking measures to enhance the operational capacity of the police, including provision of modern equipment, armoured vehicles, technology, welfare facilities and support for families of martyrs.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed souls of police martyrs, the recovery of injured personnel and lasting peace and stability in the province and the country.
