LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced to posthumously confer the province’s highest civil award on Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Furqan Ahmad Khan, who lost his life while tirelessly serving during ongoing flood relief operations. Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz has approved both the award and a financial grant of Rs 10 million for his bereaved family.
Furqan Ahmad, despite battling cancer, dedicated himself to flood relief work for four consecutive days in Pattoki’s hardest-hit areas. He remained actively engaged in supervising rescue operations, ensuring timely supply of food and medicines, and arranging shelter for the flood-affected population. His commitment under such critical personal health conditions has been widely hailed as a symbol of extraordinary courage and public service.
Officials noted that Furqan Ahmad had earned respect across administrative circles for his professionalism and compassion. His untimely demise during duty has cast a shadow of grief over colleagues and the local community alike.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tributes to the late officer, describing him as “a brave son of Punjab who sacrificed his life in the line of duty.” She further stated that the government will stand firmly with his family and honor his memory by recognizing his services at the highest level.
The decision to bestow the top civil award not only reflects recognition of Furqan Ahmad’s individual heroism but also underscores the Punjab government’s commitment to valuing the sacrifices of officers and frontline workers who risk their lives during natural disasters.
