PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed has formally urged Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to grant the province “hard area” status and increase police salaries to match those in Balochistan.
In his letter, the IGP highlighted the persistent threats from internal and cross-border terrorism, arguing that policing in KP is just as demanding as in Balochistan, which has already been designated a “hard area.”
However, despite making significant sacrifices, KP police officers earn less than their counterparts in other provinces, leading to growing dissatisfaction within the force.
The proposed salary revision would add an estimated Rs2.2 billion annually to the provincial budget. KP, which has borne the brunt of terrorism, currently offers the lowest police salaries in Pakistan. The pay gap is particularly evident at higher ranks, prompting many officers to seek transfers out of the province, while those from other provinces are reluctant to accept postings in KP due to security risks and lower compensation.
For instance, a constable (BS-7) in KP earns Rs69,127, while those in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan receive slightly higher salaries. However, the gap widens significantly at senior ranks. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (BS-17) in KP earns Rs184,867, compared to Rs233,930 in Punjab and Rs453,727 in Balochistan. Similarly, a Superintendent of Police (BS-18) in KP earns Rs232,531, while their counterparts in Punjab and Balochistan earn Rs373,487 and Rs607,706, respectively.
At the highest level, the KP Inspector General (BS-22) earns Rs778,747, whereas in Balochistan, the same position commands a salary of Rs1,148,244.
The IGP’s request underscores the urgent need for salary adjustments to retain officers and ensure an effective policing system in the province. The government is expected to review the proposal in light of the security challenges and financial constraints.
