PESHAWAR: The Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Zulfiqar Hameed, has formally requested the Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to declare the province a “hard area”. He also urged the government to increase the police salary to match the pay offered in Balochistan.
In his letter, the IGP emphasized that KP faces continuous threats from both local and cross-border terrorism. He said policing in the province is just as tough as in Balochistan, which already enjoys the hard area allowance. He stressed that KP police officers are risking their lives daily but still earn less than those serving in other provinces.
The letter mentioned that upgrading the police salary would cost the province Rs2.199 billion annually. But this move is necessary for the morale and welfare of the force.
KP police serve in the most terror-hit region of the country. Yet, they receive the lowest police pay in Pakistan. This disparity becomes even more visible in senior ranks. Many officers try to transfer to other provinces for better income. On the other hand, officers from other regions hesitate to take postings in KP due to lower salaries and high-security risks.
The current numbers tell the full story:
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A constable (BS-7) in KP earns Rs69,127, while one in Punjab gets Rs73,000, Sindh Rs69,520, and Balochistan Rs69,885.
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A head constable (BS-9) in KP earns Rs76,996, compared to Rs80,198 in Punjab, Rs76,895 in Sindh, and Rs77,211 in Balochistan.
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An assistant sub-inspector (BS-11) in KP gets Rs86,579, while counterparts in Punjab earn Rs88,583 and in Sindh Rs88,488.
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Sub-inspectors (BS-14) in KP get Rs107,904, whereas Punjab pays Rs114,503, Sindh Rs114,871, and Balochistan Rs109,510.
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For inspectors (BS-16), KP offers Rs137,081, while Punjab offers Rs141,680, Sindh Rs144,738, and Balochistan Rs137,444.
The gap widens in upper ranks:
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DSPs/ASPs (BS-17) in KP receive Rs184,867, compared to Rs233,930 in Punjab, Rs177,562 in Sindh, and a massive Rs453,727 in Balochistan.
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Superintendents of Police (BS-18) in KP get Rs232,531, while Punjab pays Rs373,487, Sindh Rs299,496, and Balochistan Rs607,706.
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Senior Superintendents or Additional IGs (BS-19) earn Rs326,529 in KP. But their counterparts get Rs495,550 in Punjab, Rs362,820 in Sindh, and Rs679,147 in Balochistan.
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Deputy IGs (BS-20) in KP receive Rs372,669, while Punjab pays Rs579,361, Sindh Rs402,451, and Balochistan Rs746,172.
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Additional IGs (BS-21) in KP get Rs423,863, while Punjab offers Rs694,507, and Balochistan Rs746,172.
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Even the IGP (BS-22) in KP earns Rs778,747, compared to Rs837,953 in Punjab, Rs813,485 in Sindh, and Rs1,148,244 in Balochistan.
Zulfiqar Hameed, who took charge last month, admitted that police duty in KP is extremely difficult. He told senior journalists that many people didn’t even congratulate him on the appointment, knowing the hardships involved. But he accepted the role to serve the people of KP.
He pointed out that areas like Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Kurram are under frequent attacks. Even peaceful zones like Karak have seen rising violence. He said the provincial government has promised to review and increase police pay.
The IGP said police reforms are underway. They plan to improve infrastructure, including fortified police stations and posts across the province. He highlighted that without proper welfare and facilities, the force cannot deliver results.
He added that KP has the highest number of police martyrs in the past two decades. Yet, the martyrs’ compensation package in KP is the lowest in Pakistan. The police department has also raised concerns about pending promotions and lack of recruitment. The IGP said new hiring is essential to reach the sanctioned strength.
The demand for a police salary increase is now a critical issue. The KP police continue to serve in one of the toughest environments. Better compensation and proper reforms are vital for their motivation and safety.