Shahzad died after winning race for recruitment in police
PESHAWAR: The poor and handicapped parents of 21-year old Shahzad, who died after winning the race for recruitment in the police force here, have appealed to Inspector General of Police to investigate the cause of his death and punish the officials who failed to make proper arrangements on the occasion.
Shahzad belonged to Gumbat village sited near Mardan city. He was called for taking part in the physical test to be shortlisted for recruitment in the police.
He won the race but luck didn’t favour him as he collapsed and died soon afterwards.Eyewitnesses and his family told INP that he was shifted to the hospital but the doctors pronounced him dead.
He apparently had some cardiac disorder but was not previously diagnosed.The doctors felt his life could have been saved had a doctor been present on the spot or if he had been provided immediate medical assistance.
“I was shocked and hurt when I came to know that he belonged to a poor family and that his parents were handicapped. It was painful to hear that he had won the race but lost his life,” a senior physician said.
Pleading anonymity, he suggested that the police in future should formulate strict guidelines and protocol on such occasions.He said the presence of a doctor along with an ambulance, necessary drugs and equipment to save lives during an emergency should be ensured.
Shahzad’s physically handicapped father had appealed to IGP Nasir Khan Durrani to order an inquiry into the matter. He also requested him to help arrange a source of income for his poor family.
He said Shahzad was his eldest son and the lone breadwinner.District Police Officer Mardan, Faisal Shahzad said he had already ordered an inquiry into the matter.“We had properly requested the deputy commissioner for arranging a doctor and an ambulance for the race, but he didn’t do so. Though we later arranged an ambulance and took the young man to hospital, he had already died,” he added.
DPO Faisal Shahzad said the cause of death would be determined in the inquiry report, but he felt his death could have been caused by dehydration.“I personally met his father and assured him of my full support.
He wanted us to recruit his 11-year old son in the police but he is too young to be recruited. We are trying to figure out how to help the family,” he said.
