Nowhere to go: Militant attack survivor demands treatment
Hafeezul Haq, 32, was critically injured in an improvised explosive device attack in 2014
Hafeezul Haq, 32, was critically injured in an improvised explosive device attack in 2014. PHOTO: FILE
ABBOTABAD:
A police official, who was injured in a terrorist attack, has been running from pillar to post asking the government to help him cover the costs of his treatment.
Hafeezul Haq, 32, was critically injured in an improvised explosive device attack in 2014 and now uses crutches to walk.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Haq said he joined the special police force in 2009 as a driver.
“I was hired on a contract basis and had a fixed salary of Rs10,000,” he said. “It was the happiest time for me as I thought I would achieve my objective of sending my children school.”
The nightmare
On the afternoon of January 16, 2014, when the operation against terrorists was in full swing, Shangla SHO asked Haq to take a police party to a neighbouring village for a search operation against militants. “I was driving the van – the SHO and four other constables were with me,” he said. “However, when the vehicle reached near Sarkol village on Chakesar-Dandai Road, an improvised explosive device went off, injuring all passengers.”
He said the IED was planted by militants to target the police force. However, all passengers in the vehicle survived. “However, I sustained injuries on both my legs and had to use crutches to walk,” he added.
Haq said he has spent Rs1.6 million on his treatment.
According to Haq, doctors removed the heel bone of his left foot. However, his right ankle did not heal and made it difficult for him to walk.
The 32-year-old said a surgeon from Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad referred him to a hospital in Lahore for further treatment.
“But doctors in Lahore suggested he either needs to visit a private hospital or go abroad for treatment,” he said. “I cannot afford the expenses involved.”
Haq added, “Doctors at a private hospital in Islamabad advised me to get an artificial talus or ankle bone for which I need Rs3 million, but I cannot afford the cost,” he said. “Even the police department is not willing to support me.”
He said after the blast, he was given Rs200,000 as compensation from the department – that too in separate instalments.
Haq said he has approached the IGP and other officials to assist him. However, his efforts have been of no avail as he has failed to obtain financial support for his treatment.
“I have no money to run household affairs – even the [my children’s] school administration has served me several notices to clear dues.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2016.
A police official, who was injured in a terrorist attack, has been running from pillar to post asking the government to help him cover the costs of his treatment.
Hafeezul Haq, 32, was critically injured in an improvised explosive device attack in 2014 and now uses crutches to walk.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Haq said he joined the special police force in 2009 as a driver.
“I was hired on a contract basis and had a fixed salary of Rs10,000,” he said. “It was the happiest time for me as I thought I would achieve my objective of sending my children school.”
The nightmare
On the afternoon of January 16, 2014, when the operation against terrorists was in full swing, Shangla SHO asked Haq to take a police party to a neighbouring village for a search operation against militants. “I was driving the van – the SHO and four other constables were with me,” he said. “However, when the vehicle reached near Sarkol village on Chakesar-Dandai Road, an improvised explosive device went off, injuring all passengers.”
He said the IED was planted by militants to target the police force. However, all passengers in the vehicle survived. “However, I sustained injuries on both my legs and had to use crutches to walk,” he added.
Haq said he has spent Rs1.6 million on his treatment.
According to Haq, doctors removed the heel bone of his left foot. However, his right ankle did not heal and made it difficult for him to walk.
The 32-year-old said a surgeon from Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad referred him to a hospital in Lahore for further treatment.
“But doctors in Lahore suggested he either needs to visit a private hospital or go abroad for treatment,” he said. “I cannot afford the expenses involved.”
Haq added, “Doctors at a private hospital in Islamabad advised me to get an artificial talus or ankle bone for which I need Rs3 million, but I cannot afford the cost,” he said. “Even the police department is not willing to support me.”
He said after the blast, he was given Rs200,000 as compensation from the department – that too in separate instalments.
Haq said he has approached the IGP and other officials to assist him. However, his efforts have been of no avail as he has failed to obtain financial support for his treatment.
“I have no money to run household affairs – even the [my children’s] school administration has served me several notices to clear dues.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2016.