ZUBAIR QURESHI
The Islamabad Police personnel were in shock and agony on Sunday after they learnt about the death of their colleague Head Constable (HC) Muhammad Ashraf and his young son Zeshan in an effort to rescue people from robbers.
According to details, the incident took place early in the morning in Sector G-11 (in the limits of Police Station Ramna) when HC Muhammad Ashraf, 51, was returning after performing night duty at the Police Line Headquarters. His son Zeshan, 17, was with him. When they were close to their house, they saw two motorcyclists robbing the pedestrians and motorists at gunpoint. On the call of his duty as well as conscience, HC Muhammad Ashraf along with his son rushed forward to arrest them. However, the culprits shot both of them and escaped from the scene.
The father and the son were rushed to the hospital where doctors pronounced them dead. Ashraf who had two sons (now one is left) and two daughters belonged to District Chiniot and was a popular figure among his comrades for his friendly and jolly nature.
The news of the encounter spread like fire and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan along with senior police officers rushed there. Later, after attending their funeral prayers at the Police Lines Headquarters, the IGP commented that both the father and the son went beyond the call of duty. “They have set an example for all of us to follow as they laid down an ultimate sacrifice,” he said. To a question, he said the teams had been constituted under the SSP Operations to chase and hunt down the perpetrators. A smart contingent unit of the police force presented a guard of honor to the martyr. Later, their bodies were sent to their ancestral village in Bhawana, district Chiniot escorted by police vehicles.
Dr Akbar Nasir Khan also met with the bereaved families, expressing heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire police force and offered Fateha for the martyrs.
“We wear our uniform with pride and are resolute in our dedication to duty. Such cowardly acts will not deter our resolve. Our police force stands united, determined to eradicate elements that threaten society,” stated Dr Akbar Nasir Khan.
The Shaheed Head Constable valiantly sacrificed his life, along with his son, in safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens, he said. Their commitment to protecting the community will not be forgotten, he added. We shall take care of the Shaheed’s family and make sure they face no problem.
On the instructions of IGP Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, senior police officers, accompanied by heavy personnel, have initiated a search operation to apprehend the accused responsible for this heinous act.
