KP Seeks “Hard Area” Status, Special Allowances for Civil Servants and Police

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has formally requested the federal government to declare the province a “hard area,” seeking special hardship allowances for both civil servants and police officers.

The proposal outlines increased financial incentives for officers, including a running basic pay special allowance for those stationed at the Central Police Office (CPO), a similar allowance for field officers, and an additional field allowance amounting to 150% of their running basic pay.

Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid highlighted the critical shortage of officers in BPS 19, 20, and 21. He noted that numerous key positions remain unfilled due to the province’s unattractive compensation structure and heightened security threats.

“We are simply seeking parity with Balochistan,” he stated, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment.

Official correspondence (Letter No. SO(Budget)HD/5-14/General/2024-2025) indicates that the provincial Home and Tribal Affairs Department has communicated this request to the relevant federal authorities.

The letter contends that, similar to Balochistan—which has already been designated a hard area and provides its officers with special allowances—KP faces significant security challenges that warrant comparable measures.

The letter further emphasizes that despite enduring years of terrorism, during which hundreds of police officers and personnel have been martyred, KP officers continue to receive lower pay packages compared to their counterparts in other provinces.

This disparity has led to a growing reluctance among senior officers to accept postings within the province.