ISLAMABAD: Pakistani civilian leaders and the military on Sunday paid tribute to police personnel who had died in the discharge of duties against militancy and crime as the South Asian country marked ‘Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Police.’
Pakistan has faced a low-level insurgency by separatists in the southwestern Balochistan province for the last two decades, while religiously motivated groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, have waged a fight in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province that borders Afghanistan.
The eastern Punjab and the southern Sindh provinces have seen authorities struggling to deal with organized crime, including kidnappings for ransom and drug-trafficking, in the urban centers as well as bandits based in the lawless, riverine areas along the border of the two provinces.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s president and the prime minister paid glowing tributes to hundreds of police personnel who were killed while trying to eradicate crime and guarding the country against militants, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti lays a wreath on the memorial monument to the Pakistani police officers in Quetta on August 4, 2024, as Pakistan pays homage to fallen heroes as it marks ‘day of police martyrs.’ (Photo courtesy: Balochistan police)
“Federal government would take all possible steps for the provision of education and health facilities to the children of shuhada (martyrs),” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was quoted as saying by the broadcaster. “The bereaved families would be taken care of in every possible way.”
President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the role of police force in Pakistan’s successful fight against militancy and said the entire nation saluted them for their sacrifices.
Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said the armed forces paid a solemn tribute to the “valiant” personnel of the Pakistan police who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Afzal Mehmood Butt and Force Commander GB Kashif Khalil lay floral wreath on Yadgar-e-Shuhda in Gilgit on August 4, 2024, as Pakistan pays homage to fallen heroes as it marks ‘day of police martyrs.’ (APP)
“The Armed Forces, comprising officers and men, salute the memory of our fallen heroes who have protected the nation with their sweat and blood,” the ISPR said in its statement.
“Their noble and selfless service has ensured the safety and security of our communities, and their legacy continues to inspire and motivate us. We stand in solidarity with their families and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in every possible manner.”
The military reiterated its commitment to defending the country alongside police and other law enforcement agencies with “unshakeable resolve” and determination.
District Police Officer Abdullah Ahmad offering prayers at the memorial monument to the Pakistani police officers in front of DPO office in Chiniot on August 4, 2024, as Pakistan pays homage to fallen heroes as it marks ‘day of police martyrs.’ (APP)
Senior Superintendent Police Dr. Farukh Ali along with other police officials and business community participating in a walk in Hyderabad on August 4, 2024, as Pakistan pays homage to fallen heroes as it marks ‘day of police martyrs.’ (APP)
Police officials salute during prayers at the memorial monument to the Pakistani police officers in Peshawar on August 4, 2024, as Pakistan pays homage to fallen heroes as it marks ‘day of police martyrs.’ (APP)
