Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi visited Police Lines Tank, where he paid tribute to the police personnel who were martyred in the terrorist attack that took place on Monday. The Chief Minister laid a wreath and paid his respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial, and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience and strength for the bereaved families.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister met local elders and the families of the martyred police personnel, expressed solidarity with them, and paid tribute to their courage, patience, and steadfastness. He later addressed the families of the martyrs and the local elders. In his address, the Chief Minister stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police is playing a frontline role in the fight against terrorism and is confronting terrorists with courage, professional competence, and determination. He said that the provincial government is fully aware of the issues faced by the police force and that effective, coordinated, and practical measures are being taken to address them.
He emphasized that the welfare of the police, institutional strengthening, and enhancement of operational capacity are among the top priorities of the provincial government, and that all issues faced by the police force will be resolved on a priority basis. The Chief Minister said that death is an undeniable reality, but sacrificing one’s life for the higher cause of the homeland and the nation is the greatest honor and source of pride. He said that in the long war against terrorism, the security forces, police, Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch, and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have made unparalleled sacrifices that can never be forgotten. He further stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have rendered unforgettable sacrifices for the establishment of peace in the country and have demonstrated a strong sense of national responsibility in every difficult moment.
The Chief Minister clarified that this war was not ours; nevertheless, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been bearing its severe consequences and losses continuously for the past two decades. He said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the police and security forces, have collectively sacrificed more than 80,000 lives for peace in Pakistan and the region, which constitutes a great national sacrifice. He reiterated the commitment that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to extend full support to the families of the martyred police personnel at every level and will not leave them alone. The Chief Minister said that we must move forward with courage and perseverance, as the time is not far when lasting and complete peace will be established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On the occasion, Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed and Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Daud Khan were also present with the Chief Minister.