The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has increased compensation under the police martyrs’ package, raising payments for personnel killed in the line of duty to as much as Rs35 million, depending on their rank.
The announcement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi comes as the province continues to face security challenges, including a terrorist attack on a police post in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area on Friday that claimed the life of police official Muhammad Jalal.
Under the revised martyrs package, compensation for police personnel from constable to inspector has been increased from Rs11 million to Rs17 million.
For personnel holding the ranks of deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and assistant superintendent of police (ASP), the compensation has been raised from Rs16 million to Rs25 million.
The package also provides higher compensation for senior officers. Payments for martyrs in Grades 18 and 19 have increased from Rs21 million to Rs30 million, while compensation for those in Grade 20 and above has risen from Rs21 million to Rs35 million.
Injured and permanently disabled personnel
Governor Kundi also announced an increase in financial assistance for police personnel injured while performing their duties. According to the announcement, compensation for injured personnel has been increased from Rs100,000 to Rs1.5 million.
For police personnel who suffer permanent disability, compensation of Rs5 million will be provided. The revised package is intended to extend financial support to personnel who sustain serious injuries while serving the province.
Recruitment for 17,000 vacant posts
Alongside the revised compensation package, directives have been issued for the immediate recruitment of personnel to fill 17,000 vacant positions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
The recruitment drive is intended to address vacancies within the provincial police force as it continues its operations to maintain law and order and counter terrorism.
The announcement came after police official Muhammad Jalal was martyred while confronting terrorists during an attack on a police post in the Hassan Khel area on the outskirts of Peshawar.
According to the capital city police officer (CCPO), terrorists attacked the police post on the previous night. They fled following retaliatory action by police, and a search operation was launched in the area to locate the attackers.
Jalal was martyred while bravely resisting the assault, according to the report.
Funeral held with full official honours
The funeral prayer for Muhammad Jalal was held at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines in Peshawar with full official honours.
Governor Kundi, the chief secretary and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed attended the funeral. Frontier Corps (FC) North Inspector General Major General Rao Imran Sartaj also attended, along with officials from the Pakistan Army and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
A smart contingent of police personnel presented a salute to the martyred officer. The governor, chief secretary and officials from the police and Pakistan Army laid floral wreaths on his mortal remains.
Police will continue fight against terrorism
Kundi and IGP Hameed expressed their heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family. Kundi said the sacrifices made by police martyrs were a valuable asset to the department and stressed that terrorist attacks would not weaken the force’s resolve.
“Cowardly acts by terrorists cannot dampen the morale of the police,” the governor said, reaffirming the force’s commitment to protecting the country and its people and maintaining law and order.
He added that the police would continue their efforts to eradicate terrorism with unwavering determination.
