‘To lay down one’s life in line of duty is epitome of dutifulness’

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said that to lay down one’s life in the line of duty is the epitome of dutifulness. “This selfless act can’t be measured by words. These admirable individuals have immortalised themselves in the annals of history by sacrificing their lives for the nation.”

Speaking at an event organised in connection with Youm-e-Shuhada Police (Police Martyrs Day) by the Sindh police at the Bahria Auditorium, the CM said the day is observed every August 4 to honour the sacrifices of the police officials who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He paid a heartfelt tribute to the officials who died while performing their duties, and saluted their brave family members for their courage. He mentioned that the police martyrs restored law and order by shedding their blood and upholding the rule of law in the province.

He assured the martyrs’ families that his government would always stand by them. He said his government provides Rs10 million to the family of a martyred police official. The government also provides Rs100,000 as marriage grants and educational scholarships for the children of the martyrs, he added.

He said that the care and support for the martyrs’ families does not end with compensation, salary and pensions, as the government also provides two jobs for the family members of the deceased officer.

He announced that Rs17.5 million would be given to the families of martyred police constables and head constables. He said this amount increases to Rs22.5 million for the families of martyred ASIs, inspectors, ASPs, DSPs and SSPs, Rs31 million for the families of martyred DIGs, and Rs60 million for the family of a martyred Addl IG or IGP.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a message to pay tribute to police martyrs, saying that the sacrifices of police martyrs for upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens is unparalleled. He added that the unwavering dedication and selfless service of police martyrs is a reflection of their determination.

Sindh police chief IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon said that the purpose of celebrating this day is to assure the martyrs’ families that the provincial government and police department are with them. “The death of a martyr is the life of the nation.”

He also thanked the Sindh Rangers on the occasion for working with the police department for maintaining law and order. “The joint actions of police and Rangers have reduced linguistic and political violence. Moreover, street crimes and kidnappings for ransom have also decreased.”

He said that in the last seven months, 28 police officials have been martyred. “The Sindh government is providing the best and quality medical facilities to the injured personnel. The sacrifices made by the police in the line of duty will not go in vain.”

The Sindh police organised different events in connection with Youm-e-Shuhada Police, which was also attended by Karachi police chief Addl IGP Javed Alam Odho. During an event a special documentary and video was screened by the Security Division to pay tribute to the police martyrs and show the interviews with the martyrs’ families.

The purpose of releasing the special video was to highlight the importance of the sacrifices of the police personnel before the public, and show them how the police are protecting the lives and properties of citizens by sacrificing their lives.

In the documentary, the families of the martyred police officials expressed their love for the country, saying that they themselves would not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the safety of their country and nation.

On this occasion, Security & Emergency Services Division DIG Dr Maqsood Ahmed said peace and tranquillity in the province depend on the blood of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and are heroes.

Karachi traffic police chief DIG Ahmed Nawaz Cheema saluted the martyrs, and visited the martyrs’ memorial to lay a wreath and offer Fateha for the souls of the departed.

On the eve of Youm-e-Shuhada Police, the National Highways & Motorway Police had held a poignant ceremony to honour the sacrifices of the country’s police officers. Before the ceremony, IG Salman Chaudhary and ASP Sohaib Amin, son of the martyred sub-inspector Muhammad Amin, laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada monument.