Karachi AIG wants martyr status for coronavirus victim personnel

KARACHI: Karachi AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon has said police officials and other law enforcement personnel who passed away as a result of COVID-19 should be given the status of martyrs.

In a letter written to Sindh Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar, the AIG pointed out that at least two officials of the Sindh police had lost their lives due to coronavirus so far, adding that the morale of officials on duty needed boosting.

Memon maintained that, if granted the status of martyrs, the families of the deceased policemen would be eligible to receive grants under the martyrs’ quota allocated by the Sindh police.

The AIG further said, “While this could not replace their loss, it would assist ease the financial strain on their families”. The letter appeals that the families of the deceased police personnel be paid Rs 10 million.
Furthermore, one eligible family member should be appointed in the police, while the deceased’s widow or family should be paid their salaries till the date of their retirement.

As many as 115 officers and personnel of Sindh police, serving at the frontline to enforce lockdown in order to control the COVID-19, have been infected by the virus.

According to a spokesman for Sindh police, two cops have so far been martyred while performing their duties during the epidemic while the condition of a sub-inspector is critical.

So far 15 police officers and jawans have defeated the COVID-19 and have fully recovered while 97 are still undergoing treatment.