Pakistan today solemnly observed Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Police, paying heartfelt homage to the over 8,000 police personnel martyred in the country’s long and painful war against terrorism, including more than 2,000 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur led the tributes, calling the fallen heroes the “pride of the nation.” In their messages, they emphasized that the sacrifices of police martyrs would never be forgotten, and stressed the need to equip the police force with modern technology, advanced weaponry, and world-class training to effectively meet future security challenges.
The country’s top leadership also pledged full state support to the families of the martyrs.
“The heirs of our Shuhada will not be left alone,” the leaders stated, reaffirming their commitment to the continued welfare and financial support of the martyrs’ families.
At a major event in Peshawar, CM Ali Amin Gandapur announced Rs. 50,000 in financial assistance for each martyr’s family, and revealed that work had begun on a policy to allot housing plots to them.
He declared that:
“Any family member of a Shaheed visiting a government office will be received with respect — even by the Chief Minister himself. We cannot allow them to face any hardship.”
He further noted the KP government’s efforts to modernize the police force, highlighting increased salaries, technological upgrades of installations, and the recruitment of 2,400 additional personnel.
Across Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Khyber, Swabi, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Tank, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, commemorative ceremonies were held to honor the fallen heroes. These events featured Qur’an recitations, floral wreath-laying at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, national anthems, salutes by police contingents, and emotional tributes by officials, community leaders, and families of the martyrs.
Speakers across the province lauded the courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifices of KP Police officers, many of whom faced non-conventional threats and organized terror networks over the past two decades.
They affirmed that the mission of the Shuhada lives on and that “their sacrifices lit the path to peace.”
In several districts, gatherings of civil and military officials, local elders, scholars, and school children stood in silent tribute, while candles were lit and gifts presented to children of martyrs. At memorial sites, prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
Today’s observance was not only a reminder of the extraordinary price paid for national security, but also a solemn reaffirmation of the state’s resolve to continue supporting its police force and honoring its fallen heroes with dignity and gratitude.
