Jamil, the constable who embraced martyrdom while guarding the Peshawar Imambargah that was attacked on Friday, has left behind a baby girl born just two days before his killing, as well as an 18-month-old son.
Jamil had spent the night before the deadly blast at the hospital with his wife. Just two hours before his death, he spoke to several members of his family inquiring about their health and wellbeing.
The martyred constable’s brother, Khalil, spoke to the Tribune about his brother and the many people he left behind.
“The whole village talked about how well-mannered he was … he was loved by his parents the most but maybe martyrdom was written in his destiny.”
Known for his long moustache, his brother said Jamil loved wearing his uniform. He joined the police force in 2009, when the poor security situation in Peshawar led him to heed the call for public service. He had been stationed in Kocha Risalder four times since 2016.
“Our house was filled with happiness when this sudden incident shook everyone’s heart … still our spirits are high and we are proud because my brother is a martyr,” Khalil said.
The other constable guarding the Shia mosque was injured in the attack. From January 2021 to February 2022, 55 police officers and personnel have been killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal areas. 65 policemen were injured during the same period.
Since the start of the year, incidents of terrorism, including attacks against police and security personnel, have increased. In February, two policemen were shot in Peshawar.
Causalities from the Peshawar blast continue to mount, reaching 62 deaths as of Saturday afternoon. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombing, in which two armed men, one of whom was a suicide bomber, attacked the mosque during Friday prayers.
