The body of a brave police constable who lost his life while participating in a flood rescue mission in Punjab’s Jhelum district has been recovered and laid to rest with full official honours. The constable, Haider Ali Hussain, was swept away during a rescue operation as torrential rains triggered deadly flash floods across the region.
Punjab is currently grappling with one of the worst monsoon spells in recent years. With rivers swelling and low-lying areas submerged, the Punjab government has declared a state of emergency in multiple districts, including Jhelum, and invoked Section 144 to prevent unnecessary movement in flood-hit zones. According to figures released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 61 people have lost their lives and 268 others have been injured so far due to rain-related incidents.
Jhelum was one of the hardest-hit districts this week, particularly in areas like Sohawa, Chotala, and Pind Dadan Khan. Uninterrupted rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday caused water levels to surge, inundating dozens of villages and prompting the district administration to initiate large-scale evacuation operations.
During one such mission in the flood-affected Chotala area, six police constables climbed aboard a tractor trolley to help evacuate stranded families. As the vehicle attempted to navigate through strong floodwaters, it overturned due to the powerful current. While five officers managed to survive the ordeal, Constable Haider Ali was swept away.
An intensive 24-hour search and rescue operation was launched immediately. Divers from Rescue 1122, assisted by drone surveillance, eventually located and recovered Haider Ali’s body. His ultimate sacrifice while on duty has drawn widespread admiration and sorrow from across the country.
District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Aziz Sindhu praised the constable’s courage and said that the loss occurred as he tried to save lives amidst dangerously rising waters. “Constable Haider Ali gave his life while helping citizens trapped by the floods. His dedication and selflessness will be remembered forever,” he stated.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Meisam Abbas confirmed that despite the magnitude of the flooding, no civilian casualties were reported in Jhelum, Sohawa, or Pind Dadan Khan—testament to the tireless efforts of local rescue personnel, including the army, police, and civil defence teams. Over 450 people and numerous livestock were rescued during the operations.
The funeral for Constable Haider Ali was held at Police Lines in Jhelum, attended by senior law enforcement officials, local dignitaries, and the public. Provincial adviser Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kiyani also paid his respects. In a statement, Punjab Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling Haider Ali a “true martyr” whose heroism would not be forgotten.
Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, who is overseeing flood response in his native Jhelum district, announced financial compensation for Haider Ali’s family under the police martyrdom support package. He also commended the exceptional coordination between the district administration and rescue services.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took to social media to praise the bravery of the Jhelum Police during the ongoing crisis. “Rescuing over 400 stranded individuals in such perilous conditions is nothing short of heroic,” she wrote. “Their unwavering dedication is a testament to the strength and resilience of our law enforcement. They are the true guardians of our community.”
As the monsoon continues to threaten more rainfall, emergency response units remain on high alert. The sacrifice of Constable Haider Ali has become a symbol of the courage and commitment shown by countless first responders who risk their lives to safeguard the public in times of disaster.
