MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A letter sent by the Central Police Office of Azad Jammu & Kashmir to the AJK government on July 11 has only now come to light—ten days later—as protests by police personnel spread across the region.
The letter, which urgently called for special allowances and equal benefits for AJK police officers, was not made public or acted upon until today. The delayed disclosure has raised questions about the government’s response – or lack thereof – especially as police staff across several districts continue their walkout and protests.
Officials at the Central Police Office confirmed that the letter highlighted longstanding disparities in pay and allowances when compared to other provinces, and warned of rising frustration among the force if the issues remained unresolved.
According to the Central Police Office, police officers in AJK have been left behind in terms of pay and facilities. While federal and provincial governments across Pakistan have approved special allowances between 2016 and 2022, AJK police have not received similar support.
The letter explains that police officers in Azad Kashmir have been working under difficult conditions, including VIP protocols, security duties, extreme weather, and terrorism threats. Despite these risks, they do not receive the same allowances as their counterparts in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.
Key demands from the Central Police Office include:
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Special Allowance: While other provinces began providing this after 2010, AJK police are still operating under a 2008 basic scale. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gives 100% allowance, Punjab 50%, and Balochistan 40%.
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Risk Allowance: Requested for police working in dangerous and high-risk situations.
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Frozen Allowance: Officers hired after 2008 still have not received this benefit, unlike other government departments.
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Danger and Field Duty Allowances: These have been active in other provinces since 2012 but are yet to be applied in AJK.
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Travel Allowances (TA/DA): The letter calls for travel benefits in line with other provincial police departments.
The Central Police Office stressed that approving these allowances would reduce financial stress and boost the morale of police staff. It also warned that continued neglect may further lower the motivation and sense of fairness among AJK’s police force.
