Martyrs Day: Soaked in blood, toil and tears

Police department pays homage to martyred officers of the force

LAHORE: Lahore Police observed February 13 as "Police Martyred Day" to pay tribute to the victims of the Mall Road blast and other incidents.

On February 13, 2017, seven police officers including DIG Syed Mobeen Ahmad and SSP Zahid Nawaz Gondal, were killed outside Punjab Assembly when a suicide bomber blew himself up during negotiations with the protesting paramedics.

Lahore Police organised different activities that included a Quran Khawani, visit of senior police officers to graveyards, candlelight vigil and condolence references throughout the day. Police also presented a guard of honour to martyrs and laid floral wreaths.

The first activity was held at Qila Gujjar Singh Police Lines in the early morning. A Quran Khawani followed by prayers for the souls of the victims of the blast were held at a mosque. Speaking on the occasion, SP Anti-Riot Force (ARF) Nadeem Khokhar said the purpose of this very activity was to pay tribute to all the Pakistan’s police officers who laid lost lives in the line of duty.

As the sun set, the officers visited the graves of different martyred police officers and also held meetings with their families to offer their condolences. SSP Operations Muntazir Mehdi visited graveyard of Ferozpur Road Nishtar Colony and offered Fateha at the grave of Sub-Inspector Muhammad Riaz. He laid a floral wreath at his grave. A guard of honour was also presented to the martyred. Mehdi said police department can never forget the sacrifices of their brave officers.

SSP Admin Rana Ayyaz Salim visited Shadipura graveyard to offer Fateha at the graves of two martyred police officers Ghulam Murtaza 25, and Ali Raza 21. A guard of honor was presented on the occasion. The family of the martyred was also present on the occasion. Salim said the purpose of the visit was to educate people that law enforcement agencies were there to protect them and they even do not hesitate in sacrificing their lives.

Chief Traffic Police Officer (CTO) Rai Ijaz Ahmad paid a visit at the grave of DIG Ahmad Mobeen. Family of the martyred officer was also with him. A guard of honour was presented.

A Fateha Khawani was also held at Overseas Commission of Pakistan (OPC). DIG Syed Mobeen had also served there for one and a half year.

A condolence reference was also held at Alhamra Hall, Mall Road. Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz, CCPO Amin Wains, Additional IG CTD Rai Tahir, other senior police officers, families of the victims and members of civil society participated in it.

Speaking on the occasion, IGP Arif Nawaz said the officers, who sacrificed their lives while serving as frontline soldiers, were an asset of the Punjab Police. He said he was proud to be the leader of a force that had sacrificed over 1,400 lives in the line of duty so far. “This force has a spirit and tradition to sacrifice even the last drop of the blood for the protection of life and property of the citizens,” he said.

While speaking on the occasion, DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said every officer of Lahore Police was ready to sacrifice life for the safety of this country.

In the evening, a candlelight vigil was held at Mall Road. CTO Rai Ijaz Ahmad, SSP Admin Rana Ayyaz Salim, a large number of traffic wardens and people gathered there. A traffic warden said DIG Mobeen loved them like their children. He has come there to appreciate his sacrifice.

Speaking on the occasion, CTO Rai Ijaz Ahmad said DIG Mobeen was a bright example for the nation. “One cannot forget their acts of valour and bravery,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2018.