KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday paid tribute to police personnel who died in the line of duty, praising their sacrifices and pledging continued government support for their families.
Addressing a ceremony organised by the Sindh Police at Bahria Auditorium to mark Youm-e-Shuhada Sindh Police, the chief minister said the sacrifices of police martyrs were a source of inspiration and a reminder of the responsibility to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Lanjar, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan, senior serving and retired police officers and families of martyrs.
The event began with a guard of honour, wreath-laying, recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem. A documentary and tribute song highlighting the sacrifices of police martyrs were also presented, along with a presentation on the Sindh Police Welfare Package.
Murad said the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect citizens and the country would remain alive in the hearts of the people. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families.
“The Government of Sindh and Sindh Police stand firmly with the families of our fallen heroes,” he said, assuring them of continued support for their welfare and wellbeing.
The chief minister praised Sindh Police personnel for confronting criminals, terrorists and other anti-social elements, saying sustained operations against terrorism and organised crime had contributed to an improvement in the law and order situation across the province. He said street crime in Karachi had also declined due to improved policing strategies.
Murad said the provincial government was investing in modern technology, training, welfare and professional development to strengthen the police force. He cited S-4, TRACKS, Highway Patrolling Units, operations in katcha areas, the Talash App, drone surveillance and the Safe City Project among initiatives aimed at improving policing and surveillance.
On welfare measures, the chief minister said compensation packages ranging from Rs23.5 million to Rs70 million were provided to the heirs of police personnel martyred in bomb blasts, encounters, targeted killings and counter-terrorism operations.
The government also continued payment of a martyr’s salary until the age of 60, provided an immediate funeral grant of Rs300,000 and offered two government jobs to eligible family members, he said.
Murad also paid tribute to police personnel injured in the line of duty and highlighted the police health insurance programme. He said 39,821 police officers, personnel and their family members benefited from the health card facility between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Home Minister Lanjar said the sacrifices of Sindh Police martyrs were the foundation of peace and stability in the province and would always be remembered with pride and gratitude. He said the ceremony was also an opportunity to recognise the commitment of police personnel who continued to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly those serving in difficult and high-risk areas.
Lanjar highlighted the force’s use of modern investigation techniques, intelligence-based operations and surveillance systems to combat crime. He said operations against dacoits and criminal gangs, particularly in riverine areas, had produced significant results.
According to the minister, sustained operations had led to the surrender of thousands of criminals, the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the killing of numerous hardened criminals in encounters. He said the measures had contributed to a reduction in kidnapping for ransom and other serious crimes across the province.
Lanjar also urged the media to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of police personnel alongside reporting on the challenges faced by the force. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing Sindh Police with the resources, training and institutional support needed to tackle emerging security threats.
The chief minister and home minister concluded by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening law-enforcement institutions and supporting the families of police martyrs.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten. Their courage lights our path, and carrying forward their mission is our collective responsibility,” Murad said.
