TAXILA: A chowk, named after a slain policeman was inaugurated in Attock on Sunday by Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Baitul Mal Syed Yawar Abbas Bokhari.

The chowk has been named after District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Shaukat Shah - the then sub-divisional police officer of Hazro circle - who was killed along with Punjab Home Minister retired Col Shuja Khanzada in a suicide attack on Aug 16, 2015. The attacker blew himself up at the minister’s residence in Shadi Khan village.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar, DPO Syed Khalid Hamdani, Assistant Commissioner Zarmeena Wazir and family members of the official were present on the occasion.

Mr Bokhari said the nation cannot ignore sacrifices of police martyrs who are truly heroes.

“We salute our martyrs. The history of Punjab police, especially Attock, is full of bravery and sacrifices. Martyred officials showed bravery to protect the life and property of people,” he said.

Those who sacrificed their lives for the country would be remembered and the nation was indebted to them for their bravery and dedication, the minister said, adding that families of police martyrs would be facilitated the way families of martyred army officers were. The government is considering issuing health cards to police personnel, he added.

DPO Hamdani said the courage and bravery with which police officers and jawans sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism would be written in golden words.

“Despite facing difficult situations and having limited resources, the police have played an exemplary role in establishing peace and protecting people’s lives,” he added.

The minister along with Syeda Alizey Fatima, DSP Shaukat’s daughter, inaugurated the chowk.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2021