CM Afridi pays tribute to martyrs, pledges well-equipped police force in KP

PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday visited the Peshawar Police Lines and formally handed over newly procured bullet-proof vehicles, modern weapons, and other security gadgets to the police force.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have been equipped with drone cameras, anti-drone guns, anti-drone systems, thermal cameras, jammers, bullet-proof jackets, ballistic helmets, armoured vehicles, sniper rifles, Dragunov rifles, M-16s, sub-machine guns, heavy machine guns, and various other advanced security tools.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister was apprised that thermal weapon cameras and thermal binoculars would significantly improve night surveillance, while bullet-proof vehicles and side-armouring would further enhance the safety and mobility of police personnel.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the KP Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Special Branch for their effective role in combating terrorism and confronting the current security challenges with unwavering resolve and bravery. Addressing the ceremony, he said the morale of the police force remains high, and the force continues to serve as a front-line component alongside our security forces.
He stated that the provincial government is making all-out efforts to transform the police into an invincible force and that further weapons and facilities will also be provided to enable the force to effectively deal with the current security situation. The Chief Minister said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and security forces have rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
He added that when the figure of 80,000 martyrs is mentioned, thousands among them belong to the police and security forces, whose sacrifices led to the restoration of peace in the province from 2018 to 2022.
However, he noted that the security situation began to deteriorate again after 2022. The Chief Minister affirmed that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be restored and maintained at all costs. Earlier, he laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument, and upon his arrival at Police Lines, a contingent of police presented him guard of honour.
During the visit, the chief minister also inspected the newly handed-over security gadgets and bullet-proof vehicles.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and other senior police officers.