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THE police are a vital pillar of our social fabric, serving not only as guardians of the law but also as protectors of the community, said President Asif Ali Zardari on Police Martyrs Day on Aug 4. “Their exemplary courage, firm dedication and ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation will always inspire pride and command the deepest respect of every citizen of Pakistan,” he added. The prime minister, too, honoured the bravery of police officers who had laid down their lives in the line of duty, noting that the force displays “exceptional professionalism and unflinching resolve” in the nation’s fight against terrorism, violent extremism and crime.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported that the first seven months of 2026 witnessed 2,786 deaths linked to terrorist violence and counterterrorism operations — 434 security forces’ personnel lost their lives, including 152 police officials in KP and 89 in Balochistan. So far, July has been the deadliest month of 2026, with 112 security officials offering the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, compared to 38 fatalities a month earlier in June. This is an unprecedented 195 per cent increase in the deaths of law enforcers.
