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PESHAWAR, Jul 22 (APP):Families of police martyrs from Kohat, Bannu and Mardan regions have announced a complete boycott of the August 4 Martyrs’ Day ceremonies, citing decades of neglect and broken promises by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Led by Muhammad Salman Khan, the families declared that they will stage a strong protest during the central event in Peshawar, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is expected as the chief guest.
The affected families, whose loved ones laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism, stated that from 1998 to 2024, not a single child of a martyr from their regions has been given employment.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Peshawar Press Club, the children of the fallen officers, carrying portraits of their martyred fathers, stood in silent protest.
Salman Khan lamented that while their elders gave their lives to defend the country, their children have been left without support, wandering the streets and facing rejection.
The families expressed frustration that their children are growing older and are repeatedly told that they no longer qualify for employment due to age limits.
They also highlighted the plight of families with daughters only, saying even they have now grown older with no assistance or consideration from the authorities. Despite repeated announcements from the Chief Minister regarding support for the martyrs’ families, they said these have remained empty words with no action taken.
They urged the government to provide one-time job adjustments if regular appointments are not possible, even if it means offering employment in other districts.
The families warned that unless their demands are met, they will boycott all official Martyrs’ Day ceremonies in Bannu, Kohat and Mardan and continue their protest until their rights are granted.