Lahore, In a poignant tribute on the seventh anniversary of the Faisal Chowk Mall road blast, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has made good on a promise to the families of martyred police officers by distributing junior clerk appointment letters to the children of 23 police martyrs. This gesture not only honors the memory of the fallen heroes but also provides a tangible support to their families, integrating the next generation into the ranks of the Punjab Police.
According to Punjab Police, the appointment ceremony held at the Central Police Office was a moment of pride and remembrance. Dr. Anwar personally congratulated the children of the martyrs, welcoming them into the police department and highlighting the legacy of service and sacrifice that marks the history of the Punjab Police. He noted the unique honor that comes with serving in an institution where generations have achieved the eternal status of martyrs.
Dr. Anwar further detailed the comprehensive support extended to the families of martyred officers. He mentioned that there are no pending recruitment cases in Punjab Police based on Shahuda claims, with 134 children of martyrs recruited into various cadres, including junior clerks, over the last year. Additionally, out of the 1,300 police martyrs who embraced martyrdom before 2017, 650 families have been allotted plots for housing, with two crores in installments paid to deserving families for house construction.
Moreover, the pension amount for the families of police martyrs has been increased to 35 thousand rupees, benefiting hundreds of martyrs’ families. Dr. Anwar also highlighted the initiation of 41 new projects aimed at the welfare of the police force, underscoring the department’s commitment to the well-being of its personnel and their families.
The event was attended by additional high-ranking officials, including Additional IG Punjab Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry, Additional IG Welfare Riaz Nazir Gara, and DIG Establishment II Zeeshan Asghar, among others, all united in their support for the martyrs’ families and their dedication to the welfare of the police community.
Geneva, A recent report from the UN Human Rights Office reveals that Syrians returning to their war-torn country are facing “gross human rights violations and abuses.” The findings detail a range of abuses perpetrated by the government, de facto authorities, and various armed groups, including arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the report underscores the particular vulnerability of returnees, noting an alarming trend of deportations from other countries. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized the dire circumstances of returnees, especially women, and the obligation of states to adhere to international laws, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
The report outlines instances of extortion, property confiscation, and denial of essential documents, painting a bleak picture of the challenges returnees encounter. It also highlights discriminatory practices against women, including restrictions on movement and forced returns by male family members to evaluate conditions for the family’s return.
Significant pressure from economic hardship, abusive rhetoric, and actions against refugees in host countries have driven many to return to Syria. Notably, Turkey’s announcement of a “resettlement” plan for one million Syrian refugees and Lebanon’s raids and deportations underscore the increasing push factors.
Victims’ accounts within the report illustrate the brutal reality faced upon return. One individual recounted a violent arrest and detention, while a woman shared her experience of detention alongside her daughters, including interrogation and the necessity of a bribe for their release.
The report also sheds light on the challenges women face, including movement restrictions and coercion by family members, further complicating the prospects for a safe, dignified, and sustainable return.
Acknowledging the compelling factors leading many Syrians to return and the subsequent hardships they endure, the UN report asserts that conditions in Syria do not currently support safe and sustainable returns. It calls for unhindered access for UN entities and other organizations to monitor the situation of returnees and urges all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights laws.