The Establishment Division’s recent decision to transfer 10 Punjab police officers to challenging postings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has raised concerns within the police force. These assignments, lasting one year, involve deployment to regions known for security risks, remoteness, and limited infrastructure, typically compensated by additional allowances.
These postings were initially intended under a policy introduced during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure to provide younger officers with early field experience. The plan was to rotate officers from newer batches into these roles. However, the current transfer list includes officers inducted into the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) through provincial service between 2020 and 2021, many of whom have only a few years left before retirement. Some are also in the midst of mid-career training, scheduled to conclude in early June.
The Establishment Division has issued separate notifications assigning five officers each to Balochistan and KP, instructing immediate relief from their current duties in Punjab. These officers must complete a full year of active service in their new postings before returning.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem confirmed receipt of the transfer orders and acknowledged internal discussions on the matter. He assured that the concerns of the affected officers would be communicated to the Establishment Division.
Several officers have questioned the rationale behind the transfers, arguing that the 2020 rotation policy was intended only for those entering civil service through the CSS examination from that year onward. They also highlighted administrative challenges caused by the simultaneous demands of attending promotion courses and relocating to difficult postings.
Some officers, speaking anonymously, described the decision as placing undue pressure on experienced personnel, especially those nearing retirement or dealing with health issues. They noted this move contradicts earlier commitments to assign such demanding duties primarily to younger recruits.
In a significant development, Establishment Division Secretary Nabeel Awan clarified that these transfers are not governed by the rotation policy, which is currently suspended at the request of provincial governments. He emphasized that officers inducted into the PSP are federal employees and can be posted anywhere in the country as per government directives.
Awan dismissed allegations of selective treatment, describing the transfers as a temporary measure to address immediate staffing needs. He stressed that officers are expected to comply with the orders issued.
