Police martyrs: KP CM announces grant of Rs50,000 for each family

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, while addressing a ceremony held to commemorate Police Martyrs’ Day, paid tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of the province’s police personnel, stating that the peace and security enjoyed today are the result of the supreme sacrifices rendered by the martyrs.

He said the entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs, the ghazis, and their families for their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

He remarked that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has written an extraordinary chapter in the fight against terrorism through unmatched bravery, steadfastness, and sacrifice, earning the admiration and pride of the nation.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced an additional honorary grant of Rs. 50,000 for the family of each police martyr. He also directed the relevant authorities to expedite the allotment of residential plots to the families of martyrs to ensure their timely provision.

Highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement institutions, the Chief Minister said that approximately Rs. 35 billion had been allocated during the previous fiscal year to enhance the operational capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Special Branch. He added that the police budget for the current fiscal year has been increased to more than Rs. 180 billion.

The Chief Minister underscored that sustainable development and economic prosperity are impossible without lasting peace, adding that the establishment of peace remains the foremost priority of the provincial government. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires a collective national effort, with both the police and the public working together to secure enduring peace.

Referring to the security situation in the province, Muhammad Sohail Afridi stated that the period following the formation of Imran Khan’s government in 2018 was the only time the province experienced sustained peace.

He said that this peace was achieved through two decades of sacrifices made by police personnel, security forces, and ordinary citizens, and therefore policies that undermine these hard-earned gains are bound to invite criticism. He further stated that criticism of decisions taken behind closed doors is justified, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of terrorism and its people continue to suffer the devastating human and social consequences of renewed violence.

The Chief Minister observed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has once again become the principal victim following state decisions that led to the resurgence of terrorism. He maintained that if a 22-year policy has failed to deliver the desired outcomes, it must be fundamentally revisited. He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through the use of force alone but requires wisdom, prudence, and well-considered policy.

He asserted that if Imran Khan’s peace policy were implemented, peace could be restored across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 100 days. He also cautioned that if political differences, personal ego, and prejudice prevent stakeholders from working together, the resulting consequences will be borne by all.

Reaffirming the provincial government’s support for the police force, the Chief Minister said that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands firmly with its police and will continue to extend every possible support. He added that, in line with Imran Khan’s vision, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has been kept completely apolitical, enabling it to function as a professional institution dedicated solely to serving the people.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026