GPO Chowk blast martyrs remembered on 18th anniversary

Punjab Police paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the GPO Chowk-Lahore High Court suicide bombing on its 18th anniversary, commemorating the supreme sacrifices of 16 police officers and officials who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2008.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said the force saluted the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs who laid down their lives while protecting citizens. Recalling the tragic incident of January 10, 2008, he said two assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) and 14 constables were martyred in the suicide attack near GPO Chowk.

"The memories of our martyrs will always remain alive in our hearts. Every officer of Lahore Police stands on the frontline to protect the country and the nation," the IGP said, adding that the sacrifices of police martyrs continue to serve as a guiding light for the force.

Dr Anwar described the martyred officers as a valuable asset of Punjab Police and assured that employment had been provided to the families of the martyrs, while all possible resources were being utilised for the welfare and well-being of their heirs.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, the martyrs included ASIs Sheesh Ahmed and Ruftaj Ahmed, and constables Riaz Ahmed, Naeemur Rehman, Asghar Ali, Muhammad Yaqoob, Muhammad Mansha, Zaheer Shoukat, Ijaz Ahmed, Shahid Ghafoor, Muhammad Asghar, Muhammad Saleem, Manzoor Ahmed, Muhammad Ehsan, Muhammad Asif and Shahbaz Ahmed.

Meanwhile, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana said police martyrs were the pride of the nation and that Punjab Police had always played a frontline role in the fight against terrorism. He said the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs had made it possible for citizens to live in a peaceful environment today.

As part of the commemorative activities, police contingents visited the graves of Shaheed Constable Naeemur Rehman and Shaheed Constable Muhammad Yaqoob in Lahore, where floral wreaths were laid, a salute was presented and Fateha was offered in the presence of family members.