On 6th May, Pakistan solemnly commemorates the martyrdom of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashraf Marth — a courageous and principled officer who laid down his life in 1997 while defending the state against the scourge of terrorism. His sacrifice is not merely a page in the history of the Punjab Police but a symbol of what it means to serve with honour, integrity, and fearlessness.
Ashraf Marth was no ordinary officer. Described by peers as a man of immense discipline, unwavering resolve, and rare moral clarity, he dedicated his career to fighting crime and extremism at a time when Pakistan was engulfed in sectarian violence and rising terrorism. He believed that the police uniform was not just a job—it was a responsibility to shield the public from chaos and fear. And in the end, he paid the ultimate price for that belief.
On 6th May 1997, while en route to his office in Gujranwala, Ashraf Marth was ambushed and assassinated in a targeted terrorist attack. The killers may have intended to silence a voice of justice and courage, but what they ignited instead was a legacy that continues to inspire generations of law enforcement officers. His death sent shockwaves across the country and brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by police officers, particularly those actively involved in anti-terrorism operations.
Recognising his exceptional bravery, the Government of Pakistan posthumously awarded him the Sitara-e-Shujaat, one of the highest civil awards for gallantry. It was a fitting yet modest recognition of a man whose life was defined by selfless service. The Gujranwala Police Lines were also renamed in his honour—a lasting tribute to his unwavering commitment and sacrifice.
But what truly sets Ashraf Marth apart is not just the manner in which he died, but the values he embodied throughout his life. He was known among his subordinates as a just leader who led from the front. He did not delegate danger—he absorbed it. In an era when corruption and complacency plagued many corners of the police service, Marth stood out as a beacon of professionalism and courage. His mission was simple: protect the people, uphold the law, and fear no one.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, who paid tribute to him on Instagram today, rightly recalled SSP Marth as a "principled, brave and duty-conscious officer whose courage earned him a place in the annals of Pakistan’s heroes." His family and colleagues continue to mourn a loss that never faded with time, but they also take pride in the enduring respect that the nation offers his memory.
In remembering Ashraf Marth, we are reminded of the silent sacrifices made daily by Pakistan’s security personnel. We remember that behind every uniform is a family waiting at home, a promise made to serve, and in many cases, a life given in the line of duty. The fight against terrorism did not begin or end with Ashraf Marth—but officers like him laid the foundation for a more secure Pakistan.
Two and a half decades later, his story must not be forgotten. It should be taught in police academies and remembered in our national discourse as a model of duty, bravery, and patriotism. In an age of growing cynicism and division, the legacy of SSP Ashraf Marth Shaheed stands tall as a reminder of what it means to give everything for one's country—and expect nothing in return.
May Allah Almighty grant him the highest rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Pakistan salutes its fallen hero. His sacrifice shall not be in vain.