CM Murad Ali Shah pays tribute to police martyrs, announces enhanced welfare measures

CM Murad Ali Shah pays tribute to police martyrs, announces enhanced welfare measures

• Compensation package ranges from Rs 23.5m to Rs 70 million
• Rs 4.96 bn health insurance scheme benefited over 15,000 policemen
• 67% decline in vehicle thefts, 54% in street crimes
KARACHI (Aug 4): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, addressing the Police Martyrs Day ceremony at the PAF Auditorium, said that despite limited resources, his government stands firm with its brave police force, and “we honour our martyrs not just with tributes but with support, respect, and policies that secure their families’ futures,”.
He paid a glowing tribute to the provincial Police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjari, Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, retired IGPs, members of civil society and families of martyrs attended the event.
The Chief Minister stated that August 4 is observed annually as Police Martyrs Day across the country to honour the immense sacrifices of police officers who have defended the lives and property of citizens, often at the cost of their own lives. He assured the families of the fallen that the government and people of Sindh will never forget their sacrifices.
“The Sindh Police is not just an institution, it is a symbol of courage, dedication, and public protection,” he said.
Police Reforms: The CM highlighted the Sindh government’s sustained commitment to strengthening the police force through administrative and financial autonomy. He revealed that in the current fiscal year, Rs. 3.74 billion have been allocated to police stations for operational needs. In a move towards decentralisation, the SHOs have been granted Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to promote efficiency and transparency.
Mr Shah also pointed to significant improvements in law and order, noting a 67 per cent decline in vehicle thefts and a 54 per cent drop in street crimes in Karachi. These gains, he said, are a result of effective policing strategies and modern surveillance, including the installation of over 350 AI-enabled cameras under the Safe City Project, set to expand to 1,300 cameras by year-end.
Talking about Health, Infrastructure, and Welfare Initiatives, the Chief Minister detailed several new initiatives for the welfare of serving officers, including the rollout of a health insurance scheme worth Rs. 4.96 billion, which has already benefited over 15,000 police personnel.
Additionally, the provincial government has invested heavily in upgrading police stations and acquiring modern equipment, including bulletproof vehicles, to enhance safety and performance in high-risk areas such as the Katcha regions. Recruitment of over 1,900 new personnel has also been completed despite budgetary challenges.
Discussing the martyrs’ compensation package, Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s steadfast support for the families of martyred police officers. He disclosed that 2,549 police personnel have been martyred in Sindh since 1971, including four Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP), one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and 22 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP).
“Their blood has secured our peace,” he said. “We must honour their memory not just with words, but with actions,” he said.
Compensation: Murad Shah said that for terrorism-related cases, the compensation package now ranges from Rs. 23.5 million to Rs. 70 million, while encounter or targeted killing cases carry payouts between Rs. 23.5 million and Rs. 60 million. Families continue to receive the salaries of the martyred officers up to their notional retirement age (60 years), along with Rs. 1 million in health insurance and housing support.
Mr Shah said that widows of martyred officers receive monthly allowances, and the government covers children’s marriage expenses, education scholarships, and reserved seats in academic institutions. Financial incentives are also provided for academic achievements.
The CM said that provisions for permanent disability include Rs. 10 million for all ranks, while officers suffering temporary disability are eligible for Rs. 2.5 million. In-service deaths due to illness or accident carry compensation of Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 3 million, based on rank.
Chief minister reaffirmed his government’s enduring commitment to police welfare, promising continued investment in training, technology, and infrastructure.
He paid glowing tribute to the provincial Police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.