Islamabad – Abdul Hameed Shah, a dedicated Islamabad police officer, embraced martyrdom after succumbing to injuries sustained during protests in the capital. Shah, who was part of the Investigations Wing and stationed at Chungi No. 26 for law and order duties, passed away in the hospital on Sunday, according to the Islamabad police.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Islamabad police confirmed that Shah was abducted and tortured by miscreants during the protests. Shah, a resident of Abbottabad, had served in the police force since 1988 and was only three months away from his retirement.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his condolences to Shah’s family, assuring them that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice. He directed the Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad to take swift action against the culprits, adding that the family of the martyred officer will be supported in their time of grief.
The tragic incident occurred amidst violent clashes between PTI supporters and police in Islamabad over the weekend. The unrest followed similar violent confrontations earlier in the week, prompting the deployment of Pakistan Army personnel to bolster security ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Interior Minister Naqvi warned of stricter measures against PTI protesters, revealing that evidence of live firing had been found. Over 560 individuals, including 120 Afghans and 11 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police personnel, were arrested. Naqvi also announced a high-level inquiry into the involvement of provincial police forces in the protests.
Despite the violence, Islamabad and Punjab police remained committed to avoiding loss of life, with 31 Islamabad police and 75 Punjab police officers injured in the clashes. Soldiers were deployed to ensure foolproof security in the capital, with clear instructions to prevent any disruptions to law and order.
As tensions escalated, PTI supporters gathered at D-Chowk, where strong winds and heavy rain mitigated the impact of tear gas used by police. PTI shared footage of its supporters reclaiming the area, as law enforcement struggled to control the situation.
This tragic loss of a brave officer highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement during these turbulent times in Islamabad.
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