On-duty cops yearn for family time on Eid

Policemen say sacrifices give meaning to their duties on this occasion

LAHORE: As the rest of the nation spends Eid with loved ones, there are those that have to stay away from their families because duty calls—and policemen are no exception to this rule.

“Since I joined the police department over a decade ago, I haven’t even spent a single Eid with my family. This year again, I will be on duty,” says head constable Mujahid Chaudhry with a hint of sadness in his voice.

While talking to The Express Tribune, he recalls all the Eids he has spent away from home. “We are busy securing the lives of others,” he adds regretfully.

Allah Rakha, on the other hand, can’t help but yearn for loved ones when he is on duty. “When we see people walking up and down the streets, clad in new clothes, we miss our families.” Policemen have mixed feelings as some think of quitting their jobs to join their families, but on the other hand they cannot ignore the sense of responsibility. “We have no option but to stay alert at our designated points.”

Chaudhry is married and has two children. He had been living in Shakargarh in Narowal district, some 100 kilomtres from Lahore. Recently, his family moved to Lahore because it was difficult for him to live without them. “I have bought my children a goat to sacrifice. They will be at home while I am on duty. They often call me when I am at work and ask me to spend some time with the goat like the other folks.”

With mischief filling in his tone, the policeman recalls that he “bunked work” one day to join his kids and roam the streets with the goat.

Muhammad Nadeem, another policeman, says he the been associated with the force for last 22 years. This time around, he has managed to get leave to celebrate Eidul Azha with his family. “I am very excited because in the last 22 years, I celebrated Eid with my family only a few times.”

Nadeem, also a member of the force, sees the chance to spend Eid with the family as a kind of privilege. “At times, we try to use all our contacts and powers to get leave, but rarely is it approved,” he adds.

Imtiaz Ahmad, another cop, says he always prays that the occasion passes without incident. “The day of celebration does not turn into a day of mourning for any family.”Ahmad adds that the main purpose of their duty is to protect lives of people. “This time too, our sacrifice will give meaning to our duty on Eidul Azha.”

How poetic: A policeman’s ode to Eid

Rabba Eid ki hosi police waliyan diya

(There will be no Eid celebrations for a policeman)

Wadday boot tay wardi pai ho si

(He will be in uniform on duty on the day)

Hosan naal afsaran day laggay koi

(Few of them will be deployed with police officers)

Tay kisay riffle hath vich pai ho si

(Others will be patrolling carrying rifles)

Dil dubiya ho si vich sochan day

(Their mind will be filled with sad thoughts)

Duty kithay munshi lai ho si

(He will also be worried where clerk has deputed him to perform duty)

Kam e khushnaseeb sapai hosan

(Those few policemen will be very lucky)

Jinan ghar vich Eid mania ho si

(Who had spent their Eid holidays at home)

Poem shared by Iftikhar Alam on facebook

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2017.