Unsung guardians: FC’s enduring commitment against terrorism

PESHAWAR, Jun 10 (APP):As grief and pride mingle in homes across Peshawar, families, friends, and community members are gathered to pay tribute to six Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel, who lost their precious lives while defending a check-post at Hassankhel, near Peshawar.

The fallen soldiers Naik Aamir, Lance Naik Muhammad Yousaf, Lance Naik Muhammad Riaz, and constables Ajmeer, Ehsan, and Riaz are being widely praised not only for their brave action but also as sons, brothers, fathers, and friends whose lives touched countless others.

Since the news of their martyrdom have spread at Peshawar, a steady stream of visitors belonging to all walks of life have arrived at their residences to offer condolences, recite Fateha, and stand beside the bereaved families.

In villages and towns of the martyrs in Peshawar and other places, stories of their exemplary dedication, humility, and strong commitment to duty are being shared by people and relatives, impressing many.

“Ehsan always put the country before himself and embraced martyrdom in the line of duty carrying many dreams,” said Ali Khan, the relative of Shaheed Ehsan while talking to APP. “But to us, he was much more than a soldier but a true Momin and a humble human being who always cared about relatives and poor needs. He always prayed for the life of a martyr or Ghazi and his prayer came true on Monday last at Hassankhel where he fought bravely and embraced Shahadat.”

 “Whenever Shaheed Ehsan came to home, he intermingled with relatives with open arms, asked about their well being and handed over gifts to the children,” he said. These six FC soldiers have embraced martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists, who attempted to attack and capture a security post in Hassan Khel located some 30 kilometers south of Peshawar.

According to FC officials, the defenders have successfully repulsed the assault despite overwhelming danger, preventing the attackers from achieving their objective, and inflicted heavy losses to the assailants.

At the FC Headquarters in Peshawar, their funeral prayers were attended by senior officials, fellow soldiers, and grieving family members besides Chief Minister KP, Chief Secretary, IGP, Commissioner and other senior security officials. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry also attended their funeral prayer and paid tribute to their courage and sacrifice for the nation.

“The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain and will be remembered always,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said. “The nation will always remember the supreme sacrifices made by its brave sons,” he reiterated.

For some bereaved members of the families, however, the loss is deeply personal. Empty chairs at dinner tables, unfinished conversations, and memories of shared moments now serve as painful reminders of loved ones who will never return home.

Yet amid the deep sorrow, there is also strong resilience and strength among them against the menace of terrorism. Community members have rallied around bereaved families, offering the much-needed emotional support and practical assistance. Neighbours, elders, civil society, ulema, religious scholars and local leaders while commending their bravery and steadfastness emphasized the importance of standing united with the families of the FC martyrs.

Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry also attended FC troops funeral and said the nation remained steadfast in fight against menace of terrorism, and reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and security besides defeating terrorism.

Security analysts also acknowledged the determination and gallantry displayed by the FC soldiers and held them in high esteem. Brigadier (Retd) Mehmood Shah, former Secretary Law and Order of the erstwhile FATA, have highly praised the fallen troops’ valor for successfully defending the check-post at restive Hassankhel and described their ultimate price as a source of national pride.

Appreciating their high spirit and morale, he said that the entire nation acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by FC troops as part of national effort to eliminate scourge of terrorism from Khyber Pakthunkhwa, and assured that these sacrifices will not go waste. The sacrifices of these troops have added a golden chapter in the FC’s history of chivalry, he added.

“Whenever difficult situation came to Pakistan, FC always stood for the nation as first line of defense besides providing security to VVIPs,” he said.  Over the years, he said FC had played a key role in maintaining law and order, protecting vital government and diplomatic installations, and supporting local police in situations exceeding standard law enforcement capabilities.

Preventing border incursions, criminal gang activities, and smuggling of arms or contraband along provincial borders, he said that FC served as a reserve force to assist local police and military forces in maintaining order during periods of civil unrest, public events, or specialized campaigns such as polio eradication drives.

“Let there be no doubt that Pakistan armed forces including FC are battle-hardened and fully capable to counter any internal or external threat posed to the integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country,” Brigadier Mehmood reiterated.

Recounting security forces’ successes in various operations against terrorists, he lauded the efforts and determination of FC that frustrated the terrorists’ designs at Hassankhel and laid down lives for the country.

As Pakistan continues its fight against terrorism, the story of these six brave soldiers reflected the human cost of that fight. Behind every uniform is a family that faced pain with courage and steadfastness, and behind every sacrifice is a community that eulogized the brave acts of fallen soldiers with immense courage and respect.

For families gathered in Qul, their loved ones will be remembered not only for how they embraced martyrdom, but for how they lived with duty, courage, and devotion to the country they served for years with pride.