Homage paid to slain cop

Constable Junaid Khan, brother of four sisters, was to marry after Eid

CHARSADDA: The top cops on Saturday paid homage to the martyred Police Constable Junaid Khan who sacrificed his life to save the lives of so many people at the District Courts in Mardan on Friday.

According to eyewitnesses and colleagues, Junaid Khan fired at the suicide bomber and prevented him from entering the bar room in the Kutchehry, or District Courts averting a Quetta-like like tragedy.

About 13 persons were killed and another 52 sustained injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the incident.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mardan, Ijaz Khan, District Police Officer Charsadda Sohail Khalid and former inspector general of police Fiaz Toru laid flower wreaths at the grave of the brave cop in Dosehra village.

Talking to reporters, they said that Junaid Khan and other cops laid down their lives and made history. They said the suicide bomber first threw a hand-grenade and the blast caused injuries to Junaid Khan.

They said that despite his injuries, Junaid Khan exhibited extraordinary courage and fired at the suicide bomber, preventing him from entering the bar room.

They said that the slain cop averted a massive loss of lives through his timely action. Khushal Khan, uncle of the slain cop, said that his nephew was a brave man. He said once Junaid had told his officers that it was his wish to be martyred. “His wish was granted and he saved many lives,” he added. Khushal Khan said their family was proud of Junaid Khan.

Zafar Iqbal, a sub-inspector and cousin of the martyred cop, said Junaid was the only brother of four sisters and his marriage was fixed after the Eidul Azha. “But he was martyred and placed in a high place by Allah,” he remarked.

He said Junaid was two months old when his mother died and was then raised by his aunt. Junaid Khan father’s Asmatullah was also a cop in the special branch and got retired after completion of his service.