Sukkur – (Report by: Danish Rajput)
A solemn and respectful event was organized by the Sukkur District Police in observance of Youm-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Day) at the IBA University Auditorium Hall in Sukkur. The ceremony was held to pay tribute to the sacrifices of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty and to stand in solidarity with their families.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including DIG Sukkur Faisal Abdullah Chachar, Commissioner Sukkur Abid Saleem Qureshi, SSP Sukkur Azhar Mughal, SSP Special Branch Mansoor Mughal, Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shehzad, Deputy Mayor Arshad Mughal, a Colonel from the Pakistan Rangers, and several other officers from various departments.

In a significant gesture of support, Chairman of Sukkur District Council, Syed Kumail Haider Shah, made several key announcements aimed at supporting the families of the martyrs. These included a monthly stipend of Rs. 100,000 for each martyr’s family and the allocation of residential plots from a 25-acre land area reserved specifically for this purpose.

Addressing the gathering, DIG Faisal Abdullah Chachar said,

“The sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten. Their blood has secured peace and safety for the people of this region. These brave souls faced dangers head-on and embraced martyrdom so that others may live in peace. Their courage continues to inspire our forces every day.”
He emphasized that the morale of the police remains high and that the department stands firmly behind the families of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.

Chairman Kumail Haider Shah, in his passionate address, stated,

“Whenever trouble strikes, the first institution people turn to is the police. Our police officers do not hesitate to face bullets and threats, whether in the dangerous katcha areas or elsewhere. They willingly sacrifice their lives for our protection. It is our moral duty to support their families in every possible way.”
His speech was met with appreciation from the audience, particularly from the families of the martyrs who were present in large numbers.

Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi also spoke at the event, highlighting the enormous debt society owes to its martyrs.

“Laying down one’s life for the safety of others is the ultimate act of heroism. It is not easy to send off loved ones to work every day, knowing they might not return. Yet, the families of these martyrs have stood strong, and we will always honor them,” he said.
He added that the sacrifices made by the police and security forces serve as a shield against the growing tide of criminal elements in the province.

The SSP Sukkur Azhar Mughal, SSP Special Branch Mansoor Mughal, Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shehzad, and Deputy Mayor Arshad Mughal also addressed the gathering, each paying homage to the fallen heroes and pledging continued support to their families. They emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by these officers not only during such ceremonies but in everyday governance and public policy.

The speakers collectively agreed that ensuring the welfare of the martyrs’ families is not just a ceremonial obligation but a continuous responsibility. They called for systemic improvements in police welfare, more support structures for the families, and better insurance and education policies for the children of martyred officers.

At the conclusion of the event, families of the martyrs were presented with gifts as tokens of appreciation and solidarity. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, with many family members moved to tears during the tribute videos and the playing of the national anthem.

The event served as both a reminder and a pledge – a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of the police force and a pledge to ensure that these sacrifices are honored in action, not just in words.

Key Highlights from the Ceremony:

• Monthly Stipend of Rs. 100,000 for each martyr’s family, announced by Chairman Kumail Haider Shah
• Residential plots from a dedicated 25-acre land bank to be allotted to martyr families
• Speeches by top district officials emphasizing solidarity, commitment, and reforms
• Emotional tributes and gift presentations to martyrs’ families
• Call for better welfare policies and systemic support for police families

This event comes at a time when law enforcement officers in Pakistan, especially in interior Sindh, continue to face serious threats in their daily duties, particularly in katcha areas where criminal elements operate with heavy weaponry and often target police patrols. Despite these dangers, the police force continues its operations with courage and resolve.

Youm-e-Shuhada serves as an important occasion to not only honor the fallen, but also to reflect on how society treats the families they leave behind. Events like these reaffirm the collective responsibility of both the government and the public to ensure that the martyrs’ families are not left unsupported.

The Sukkur police have taken a commendable step forward by not only honoring the sacrifices of their fallen comrades but by backing their words with concrete financial and residential support. It is hoped that this model will be replicated in other districts, and that martyr families across the province—and the country—will receive the care, dignity, and recognition they rightfully deserve.