PESHAWAR – The federal government of Pakistan has formally banned the use of the term killed for members of the country’s security forces who die in the line of duty, replacing it with the term shaheed (martyr).
The move comes in response to a petition filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan, who argued that referring to fallen security personnel as killed was disrespectful and legally inappropriate.
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Acting on the court’s proceedings, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an official notification directing all media outlets—including news channels, newspapers, magazines, and social media platforms—to use the term shaheed or martyr when reporting the deaths of security personnel.
“It is unlawful and insensitive to describe our martyrs with words that fail to reflect their sacrifice,” Advocate Hamdan told reporters outside the court. “Those who lay down their lives for the nation deserve language that honors their service.”
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The notification states that the term killed must not be used for fallen security personnel in any form of media—print, electronic, or digital. Instead, media professionals are instructed to consistently use shaheed or martyr.
The court had earlier sought a formal response from the Ministry, prompting the issuance of this directive. The petitioner emphasized that respectful terminology is essential to reflect the national gratitude owed to those who serve in uniform.
The decision has been welcomed by military families, veterans’ groups, and civil society members, who see it as a step toward recognizing the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces with the dignity they deserve.
