When the entire country is celebrating Police Martyrs' Day, there is silence in those homes where a young man has sacrificed his life in the line of duty. This day is not just a name for official celebrations or greetings, but another long day for thousands of mothers, wives and children to remember their loved ones. Every year there are parades in the police department, but they leave families alone whose worlds have been torn apart.

The never-ending sorrow hidden behind the uniform

Scenes of laying flowers and presenting a guard of honor are common at official events, but the reality inside the homes behind them is very different. For old parents the pain of all ages is compounded when they remember the son they buried in their youth. Young children often ask in their innocence when their sage will return, because their young age does not allow them to realize the truth that their father is no longer in this world. This trauma becomes a disease not only for one day but for the whole life.

  • Martyrs' families often have to go around offices to get pension.
  • Raising and educating young children becomes extremely difficult without a father.
  • Deprivation of the support of elderly parents worsens their financial and mental condition.

Government promises and ground realities

Provincial governments and police departments make lofty claims of financial assistance, plots and free education for children every year to the heirs of the martyrs, but the ground realities are often different. Widows often complain about the hardships they face due to non-payment of pension on time. The responsibility of the state should not be limited to paying tribute only on one day, but the permanent maintenance of these families should be part of the state's priorities.

What you should do as a citizen

If you want to show true solidarity with police martyrs, contact the police authorities in your neighborhood or city to find out if there is a local welfare system for martyr families. Helping such families at the community level is like giving a hand to the state. Also, urge your elected representatives to allocate more funds in the police budget for the education and treatment of children of martyrs.

What to watch next

Keep an eye on the budget sessions of the provincial assemblies in the next few months to see how much money is earmarked for police welfare. It has to be seen whether the financial announcements made by the government are limited to paperwork or the aid actually reaches the children of the martyrs. Transparency will decide how sincere the state is with the families of its guards.