By:Faisal Akbar Afridi
Islamabad: Serious questions have once again been raised over the seniority and promotion system in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, where dozens of constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) are reportedly being deprived of their legitimate promotional rights despite completing long years of service, while officers junior to them continue to occupy key positions.
According to sources, under the Police Rules 1934, a constable becomes eligible for promotion to ASI after completing 10 years of service, while an ASI is entitled to promotion to DSP after 15 years. The rules further allow a constable to rise up to the rank of SP and an ASI up to DIG. However, these provisions appear to be largely ignored in practice within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
Police officers point out that while the Police Rules 1934 are strictly enforced in matters of discipline and punishment, the same rigor is missing when it comes to promotions, seniority, and service rights. They question the fairness of a system where punishments are imposed under the rules, but legitimate rights guaranteed by those same rules are denied.
Under Chapter 12, Clauses 8 and 12/8 of the Police Rules, direct recruit officers are confirmed after three years of service, while promoted officers are confirmed after two years. Once confirmed, it is their legal right to be placed on the next promotion list (A, B, C, D, E, F), subject to the availability of vacancies. Sources say that even if five vacancies exist at any level, promotions should be made immediately, rather than waiting for dozens of seats to accumulate.
However, it is alleged that this mechanism is effectively operational only for those with strong recommendations and influence, while promotion files of senior officers without backing continue to circulate within offices without progress. As a result, several senior officers reportedly face stagnation or removal, while junior officers are assigned important responsibilities.
Legal experts note that this apparent double standard is now being challenged in courts. They argue that a law which enforces punishment but fails to deliver justice in matters of rights and promotions loses its moral and legal credibility. Justice, they emphasize, cannot be selective.
Police officials and personnel have urged the top leadership of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police to ensure immediate and phased promotions strictly on the basis of seniority, stating that such measures are essential to restore morale, eliminate injustice, and rebuild trust within the force.
Leave a Reply