Islamabad: U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson laid a memorial wreath at the National Police Martyrs’ Monument to honor the police and law enforcement officials who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Olson was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of the Islamabad Capital Territory Police, Sultan Temuri, and other Islamabad police officials, says statement of Islamabad Police.
“In Pakistan today, nearly half a million police and law enforcement personnel risk their lives to protect the safety of others,” said Ambassador Olson in remarks at the monument. “It is an honor to be here and pay tribute to their extraordinary bravery and to remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more peaceful, and more just society,” he added.
Ambassador Olson recounted how, since the founding of Pakistan in 1947, over 6,000 police and law enforcement officials had been killed. He also recognized the more than 200 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2012.
Ambassador Olson said the United States would continue to support the policing agencies of Pakistan as they work to safeguard citizens, promote the rule of law, and bring justice to all. He closed by saying that the loyalty, sacrifice, dedication, and courage of all the men and women serving in the police of Pakistan will never be forgotten.
The United States is committed to working with Pakistan to strengthen law enforcement. The U.S. government’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Agency provides $80-100 million annually to support Pakistan’s civilian law enforcement agencies with training, infrastructure projects, and equipment.
