SWABI: Speakers at a function here on Wednesday paid homage to all those who had laid down their lives for the country in the fight against terrorism, saying that the entire nation was proud of their marvelous contribution and sacrifices.

The district police arranged the function, which was attended by local politicians, police officials and families of those who had lost their loved ones. Quran Khwani was also held for the departed souls.

Officials said that about 60 people, including police officials in the district, had laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Abdul Karim, adviser to the chief minister, was chief guest on the occasion.

The participants paid homage to all those who sacrificed their lives to ensure security of the people and key installations in the country.

They demanded of the government to financially support the children of the people who had sacrificed their lives so they could get quality education.

Speaking on the occasion, family members of the Shuhada said that they were ready to give more sacrifices for the country.

Mr Karim said that thousands of people, especially the personnel of Pakistan Army and police, had played an important role to defend the country against the non-state actors.

`The children and widows of such brave people would get full support of the government,` he said. MNA Usman Tarakai said that everyone in the country recognised the unprecedented sacrifices given by the police in the continued war against militancy. District nazim Ameer Rehman said that the KP police had of fered record sacrifices to fulfil their obligations.

Mardan DIG Ijaz Khan said that credit must be given to the KP police for taking result-oriented steps to restore the writ of the government in the militancy-hit districts of the province.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak visited the residence of Fazal Wadood Khan here on Wednesday and offered fateha for the departed soul of his brother, Fazal Mabood Khan, who breathed his lost two days ago af ter protracted illness.