PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan police, which have sacrificed more than any other provincial police force over the last few years for the restoration of peace in the country, have received the minimum share in civil and gallantry awards.
A source said that many names of brave officers and jawans were dropped by the committee at the Central Police Office, discouraging their own cops for no valid reason. He added that many names were still stuck between the Home Department, the Chief Secretary’s Office and the federal government.
Authorities in the federal government admitted that the two provinces deserved more awards and said the provinces had been asked to send additional names.The debate started after the names of recipients of the Tamgha-i-Shujaat, as well as the Pakistan Police Medal and Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal, appeared in the media. Most of the names were of cops from provinces where there were no major law and order challenges.
Very few were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where more policemen have sacrificed their lives in recent years for the restoration of peace in the country.“This is an injustice to the police of KP and Balochistan. They deserved more recognition and awards,” an official of the KP Police said.
He said over 162 policemen had sacrificed their lives during the last seven months, while over 235 were martyred last year. He said the number of those who sustained critical wounds or who were facing threats while leading operations was in the hundreds.
The force has been fighting the war for more than 20 years. More attacks have been taking place almost daily since 2021, when the second wave of violence started.A source at the CPO said 47 names had been recommended for gallantry awards since last year, while only 13 had been awarded so far.
“Five were awarded this month while eight were awarded on March 23rd,” said a source. He added the remaining names were still stuck between the federal government, the Home Department and the CS office in KP. The CPO is also probing as to why many names were dropped despite the fact that they deserved recognition. A fresh list is being prepared to send to the federal government.
The federal government authorities said they have asked the two provinces to send more recommendations. “Some people have rightly pointed out that there are not enough gallantry awards recognising the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of the KP and Balochistan Police, who are fighting terrorism on the frontlines. Since nominations for these awards are submitted by the respective provincial governments, I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to seek additional nominations from the KP and Balochistan governments so that deserving police officers and personnel receive the national recognition their bravery and sacrifice merit,” tweeted federal minister Ahsan Iqbal after the debate started on social media.
Leader of the Awami National Party, Aimal Wali Khan, has demanded an inquiry as to why nominations were not sent to the federal government.“Would the provincial government and chief secretary clarify why no nominations were sent for Pakhtunkhwa police officers and personnel for the national awards? The Pakhtunkhwa Police has shown extraordinary courage against terrorism under difficult conditions and limited support. Failing to recognise their bravery & sacrifices does them a great disservice,” tweeted Aimal Wali Khan. Many other politicians also asked for a proper probe into the issue and action against those involved in discouraging those who have done their best for peace in the country.
