QUETTA: Balochistan’s Senior Minister Sardar Sanaullah Zehri said on Wednesday a Shuhada Foundation would be set up for the welfare of the families of personnel of the security forces who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking at a Martyrs Day ceremony held by the provincial government in recognition of sacrifices rendered by personnel of the Frontier Corps, police, Levies and other forces, he said the officers and Jawans of law-enforcement agencies had saved thousands of people.

“Their sacrifices will be remembered forever,” he said.

Sardar Zehri, who is provincial chief of the PML-N, said the FC was playing a key role in maintaining law and order in the province but some elements always created a wrong perception, accusing it of committing atrocities against the people.

“Its soldiers never hesitate to sacrifice their lives for protecting the people.”

He said the government would not abandon the families of the martyrs and would provide their children the best education and other facilities. They would also get financial help, he said.

Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti said the FC, police and Levis were the strength of the government.

He said payment of compensation to the heirs of the deceased personnel had been started as a first step and schooling and other facilities would be offered in the next phase. He said steps were afoot to equip the forces with latest weapons and techniques to combat terrorist elements more effectively.

Posthumous awards of the late security personnel were given to their heirs on the occasion.