Sacrifice of police martyrs remembered

Senior officers lay floral wreaths at memorials, vow support for their families

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

Like elsewhere in the country, police in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have contributed to the peace and prosperity of the nation through the blood of their martyrs.

This was stated by the chiefs of police in Islamabad and Rawalpindi police as they laid floral wreaths on memorials in separate ceremonies to mark Police Martyr’s Day.

While visiting the Martyrs’ Monument at the Police Line Headquarters in Islamabad, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Aamir Zulfiqar Khan said that the courageous role played by the police in the federal capital had helped prevent many disasters by timely nabbing mischievous elements. He recalled that as many as 49 policemen in the federal capital had embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, adding that they did not bow before anti-social elements.

IGP Aamir said that the police have a risky job, handling brutal and mindless violence.

"We are proud of all martyred police officials who have written a golden chapter with their blood and protected the lives and property of citizens," he added.

The IGP thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for approving a special package for martyrs of the Islamabad Police and said that every possible effort will be made to provide relief to the families of martyrs.

On facilitating the children and families of martyred personnel, the IGP said that they are being employed in the Islamabad Police while a special desk has been set up at the Police Line Headquarters to facilitate the families of martyrs. Moreover, educational facilities will be provided to the children of martyred personnel.

Policemen were also urged to devote their lives to serve the public.

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Ahmed Waheed said that police in the federal capital has helped create a conducive environment for business activities and those sacrificing their lives have helped ensure a bright future for the rest.

Later, the IGP distributed cash and gifts amongst the families of martyred personnel.

Rawalpindi guard of honour

At the Rawalpindi Police Lines on Tuesday, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Habib Tajik, City Police Officer (CPO) Ahsan Younus, other senior police officers and families of martyred cops attended a ceremony.

A smartly turned out contingent of the police presented a guard of honour to the slain officers while the senior police officers laid floral wreaths. Later, they visited the martyr's gallery where the pictures of 108 martyrs of Rawalpindi police were displayed.

CPO Yunus said that the police were proud of its martyrs and vowed to uphold their honour.

"We will never forget their ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty and will look after the bereaved families in every manner," he added.

Paying tribute to their services, Younus said that the main gate of police lines, auditorium, mess hall, gymnasium, and library were all named after martyrs of Rawalpindi police.

RPO Tajik said that the nation could never forget the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs.

"We are standing with the families of the martyrs," the RPO said, adding that the police have shown extreme courage while foiling a large number of terrorism incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2020.