Youm-e-Shuhada: K-P police remembers the fallen

Martyrs’ week to culminate today, prayer ceremonies held across K-P

HANGU/ SWAT/ PESHAWAR/ UPPER DIR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police remembered officials who laid their lives in the line of duty over a week-long series of events. The programmes, arranged by the Youm-e-Shuhada committee, commenced on July 27 and will conclude on Tuesday (today) to mark the death anniversary of slain top cop, AIGP Sifwat Ghayyur.

Prayer ceremonies were held across the province throughout the seven days. A seminar was also held at Peshawar Press Club on Monday. Senior police officials, families of martyrs, politicians, traders and members of civil society attended the event and paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

Speaking on the occasion, AIGP Mian Muhammad Asif said, “K-P police have offered enormous sacrifices in eliminating militancy and terrorism from the province. We have fought the enemy alone and have suffered the maximum number of casualties.”

Awami National Party leader Sardar Hussain Babak applauded the efforts of the police force. “They sacrificed their today for our tomorrow,” he said. “Terror attacks are still rampant and the entire nation needs to stand by the police to assist them.”

Also addressing the attendees, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Jalil Jan said, “Foreign hands are involved in sabotaging the peace of our country. We must recognise the efforts of our law-enforcement agencies.”

Participants at the ceremony urged the government to equip the police force with modern facilities and announce salary increments. They also demanded the government look after the families of martyrs and ensure their children receive quality education.



Minister for Information Mushtaq Ghani said, “The government has fulfilled every need of the police and made it one of the most exemplary forces of the country.” He said the police is autonomous and free from any political interference. “Operation Zarb-e-Azb has achieved considerable milestones and the police have equally participated in the initiative by securing our urban areas and restoring stability in the region.”

Saying a prayer

A prayer ceremony was held in Wari tehsil, Upper Dir to pay respects to the martyrs. A large number of police officials, journalists, social activists, traders and locals attended the event. A similar event was also put together by Saidu police officials in Swat.

SHO Amjad Hussain visited graves of martyred policemen and placed floral wreaths on them in Hangu. A blood donation camp was also organised where hundreds of people, including high-ranking officials, donated blood.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2015.