PESHAWAR: KP police seek special allowance as militant attacks rise sharply, with a formal proposal moved to the provincial government seeking one basic pay as incentive for all ranks of the force.
The summary, submitted by the Central Police Office to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, proposes a monthly financial burden of around Rs4.2 billion and cites the increasingly dangerous security environment as the main justification for the demand.
According to the document, attacks on police personnel across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased by 56 percent during the first 11 months of the current year compared to the same period last year. The police department states that its personnel continue to operate on the front lines against militant groups under constant threat of bombings and targeted attacks.
The summary notes that despite the operational nature of their duties and continuous exposure to danger, KP police personnel are currently serving without any additional financial incentive. It argues that a special allowance is necessary to recognise their extraordinary service, sacrifices and sustained high-risk deployment.
Data shared in the proposal shows that by December 1 this year, at least 137 police personnel had been martyred and 236 injured in 510 attacks. During the corresponding period last year, 147 personnel lost their lives in 327 attacks.
While attacks increased sharply, fatalities dropped by seven percent, which officials attribute to improved fortification of police stations, strengthening of check posts and the up-armouring of vehicles.
The document further reveals that the number of attacks successfully repelled at police installations rose by 102 percent this year. Police thwarted 320 attacks during the current year, compared to 158 during the same period last year. Officials say this reflects improved training, faster response capability and better operational planning.
The Counter-Terrorism Department also reported intensified operations during the year. According to official figures, CTD conducted 2,791 intelligence-based operations during the first 11 months of the year, arrested 1,244 suspects and killed 420 militants. The department also apprehended 25 high-value targets during these operations.
The proposal states that KP police personnel routinely confront heavily armed militant groups and continue to suffer casualties due to the volatile security situation. It adds that financial incentives such as a militancy allowance are critical for boosting morale and ensuring sustained effectiveness in ongoing security operations.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi handed over newly procured armoured vehicles, modern weapons and advanced surveillance equipment to the police during a ceremony held at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines.
According to an official statement, the equipment includes drones, anti-drone guns and systems, thermal cameras, jammers, body armour, ballistic helmets, armoured vehicles, sniper rifles, Dragunov rifles, M-16s, sub-machine guns and heavy machine guns.
The special allowance proposal is currently under review by the provincial government.
