'Cops dying of Covid-19 should be considered martyrs'

Giving them this status will allow compensation for families, says Karachi police chief

KARACHI: Police officials and other law enforcement personnel who passed away as a result of coronavirus while working on the frontline should be given the status of martyrs, said Karachi AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon on Friday.

In a letter written to Sindh Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar, Memon pointed out that at least two officials of the Sindh police had lost their lives due to Covid-19 so far, adding that the morale of officials on duty needed boosting.

He further maintained that, if granted the status of martyrs, the families of the deceased officials would be eligible to receive allowances under the martyrs quota allocated by the Sindh police. He added that while this could not replace their loss, it would help ease the financial strain on their families.

The letter requests that the families of the deceased police officials be paid Rs10 million, as allowed by the quota. Furthermore, one eligible family member should be appointed in the police, while the deceased's widow or family should be paid their salaries till the date of their retirement.