LAHORE: Police department, political workers and civil society paid rich tribute to the martyrs of Charing Cross suicide attack. On February 13 2017, a suicide bomber blew himself up on The Mall, where a large number of protesters were gathered along with policemen. A total of 18 people were killed, including DIG Ahmad Mobin and Operations SSP Zahid Gondal. To mark the day, a number of activities were held in various areas of the city where citizens arranged candlelight vigils, prayers, flowers wreath on martyr’s graves in various graveyards of the city. Police and government officials, political workers as well as family members of the martyrs participated in the events. Inspector General of Police Captain (r) Arif Nawaz Khan said that police officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty were the frontline soldiers and honorable assets of Punjab Police. “Their sacrifice proves that Punjab Police is working diligently all the time for providing security to people’s lives and properties and they will never step back to exemplifying bravery and sacrifices in the future as well,” he said. He said that sacrifices of DIG Ahmed Mubeen Shaheed, Zahid Mehmood Gondal Shaheed, Asmatullah Shaheed and Ameen Shaheed uplifted the morale of the whole force. “All the officers are performing their duties with more enthusiasm and passion,” he said. The IGP was addressing a ceremony held to mark the first anniversary in Alhamra Hall. CCPO Captain (r) Muhammad Ameen Wains, CTD Additional IG Rai Muhammad Tahir, Investigation DIG Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry, Operations DIG Dr Haider Ashraf, Administration SSP Rana Ayaz Saleem, CTO Rai Ejaz Ahmed and Operations SSP Muntazir Mehdi were also present in the ceremony. The IGP said that the day of February 13 was the day of renewal of commitment with the brave martyrs of Lahore who continued their mission. “The people of Pakistan deserve the best efforts of the Punjab Police. The main purpose of our lives is to protect the lives of those who rely on us. I feel proud to be a commander of this force that sacrificed 1,400 of its personnel,” he said. CCPO Captain (R) Muhammad Ameen Wains said that each and every member of the Lahore Police was ready to serve the nation till the last drop of his blood. “Lahore Police has a long history of sacrifices and professionalism. History is witness that Punjab Police personnel never showed any cowardice while fighting terrorists,” he said. He added that police service was not only just a job, it was a sacred mission. “We are resolved to complete the great mission. This mission will continue till the end of terrorists. Welfare of families of martyrs is the prime responsibility of Lahore Police,” he said. Leading personalities from various walks of life including singer Jawad Ahmed, Civil Society Network president Abdullah Malik, columnist Toufeeq Butt, Habib Akram, Wasif Nagi, Sajjad Pir Zada, Zameer Afaqi, Hafiz Zuhaib Tayyab, mother of Ahmed Mubeen, father of martyred constables Ghulam Murtaza and Ali Raza and families of other martyrs also attended the ceremony. The day had started with recitation of Holy Quran at Police Lines. Later, senior police officers visited the graves of the martyrs. Guard of honour was also presented at the graves. The CCPO then went to the martyrs’ monument at Police Lines and recited fatiha. Quran khawani was also held at Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) office. OPC Vice Chairperson Shaheen Khalid Butt, Commissioner Afzaal Bhatti, MPA Tariq Subhani, Rana Arshad, Rana Liaqat, Javed Iqbal Bukhari, DIG Agha Yousaf, directors Asad Naeem, Raja Zubair, Ishratullah Niazi, Public Facilitation Committee Chairman Sajid Chaudhry, Coordinator Haji Nawaz, Chaudhry Shafi and people from different walks of life participated in the Quran khawani. Capt (r) Ahmed Mobin had served in OPC as additional director general. Speaking on this occasion, Khalid Butt and Afzaal Bhatti paid homage to the services of Shaheed Ahmed Mobin and said that he had worked very hard to establish OPC on a sound footing. “OPC staff will always remember and acknowledge the remarkable services and positive role of Shaheed Ahmed Mobin,” he said. Published in Daily Times, February 14th 2018.