On the frontline: FC personnel awarded for performance at Torkham

Tikka Khan, Ishrat Ali were among those who rescued injured personnel

PESHAWAR: Two personnel of the Frontier Constabulary received cash awards and certificates in recognition of their services in the last six days during the tension between Pak-Afghan forces in Landikotal, Khyber Agency.

The awards were given by the political administration at a ceremony held in Jamrud on Saturday.

Subedar Tikka Khan and Naib Subedar Ishrat Ali Khan Shinwari were among those officers who  had rescued more than 10 injured FC personnel and five army men who were injured in the skirmish between the Afghan forces and FC personnel.

“Both the officers were among those who rescued the injured official, Major Ali Jawad, and six other army personnel at the site,” Khyber Agency Political Agent Captain (retd) Khalid Mehmood said.

“We believe such officers who have provided constant support to the soldiers are a role model for [new recruits].”

He added Pakistan wants to peacefully solve the issue with the Afghan government and the army never opted for the war.

“Every inch of the country’s soil would be protected with the spirit shown by Tikka Khan and Ishrat Ali,” he said.

The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan severed when Pakistan started building a gate at the border on Torkham to manage the flow of people and vehicles, to prevent illegal crossing.

Subsequently, Jawad died whereas over eight casualties were reported in Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2016.