PESHAWAR: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, distributed residential plot allotment letters to the families of 67 police martyrs during a special ceremony held in Peshawar on Wednesday.
The dignified event was attended by Provincial Minister for Housing Dr. Amjad, Housing Secretary Muhammad Tahir Orakzai, the Commander of 102 Brigade, senior civil, military and police officials, families of martyrs, and representatives from various walks of life and the media.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed paid tribute to the sacrifices of police martyrs and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of their families. He said that caring for the families of fallen officers was not merely a governmental responsibility but also a national, moral and religious obligation.
“The sacrifices rendered by our martyrs for the safety and security of the nation can never be fully repaid. However, ensuring the dignity, welfare and future of their families remains our foremost priority,” he said.
The IGP described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police as one of the country’s most battle-tested forces, noting that it had remained on the frontline of the fight against terrorism for more than two decades. He said the force had written a remarkable chapter of bravery through its sacrifices and continued to serve as the state’s first line of defence under challenging circumstances.
Highlighting the security situation in the province, he said the challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were more complex than those in many other parts of the country. He added that the war against terrorism was being fought jointly by the public, police and security forces.
Zulfiqar Hameed said the recent decision to bring police salaries in line with those of Punjab Police was a practical recognition of the force’s sacrifices. He added that efforts were underway to further improve welfare benefits, housing facilities and support packages for both serving personnel and the families of martyrs.
He emphasized that the police department was striving to provide dignified and secure housing to every martyr’s family, either through residential schemes or financial assistance enabling them to acquire homes of their choice. The IGP also revealed that terrorist elements had begun targeting the families of police personnel in the merged districts and assured that the issue had been taken up with the government, with additional protective measures being implemented.
He said several projects aimed at strengthening police welfare, training, healthcare facilities, housing schemes and infrastructure in the merged districts were progressing rapidly with the support of both the federal and provincial governments. “Those nations that honour their martyrs are honoured by history,” he remarked, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police would never abandon the families of its fallen heroes.
Earlier, the IGP personally handed over plot allotment letters to the heirs of 67 police martyrs and appreciated the teamwork of police officials for successfully organizing the ceremony. The families of the martyrs expressed satisfaction over the welfare initiatives undertaken by the provincial government and police leadership, and voiced hope that the sacrifices of their loved ones would continue to inspire future generations.
