About Law Enforcement & Police
Pakistan Police and law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, and protecting citizens' rights and properties. The police force operates under provincial governments with a hierarchical structure of ranks and designations.
Law enforcement in Pakistan includes provincial police forces (Punjab Police, Sindh Police, KPK Police, Balochistan Police), federal agencies, and specialized units. Officers undergo rigorous training and follow a well-defined career progression path.
Pakistan Police Hierarchy & Ranks
Senior Police Officers (Gazetted Officers)
| Rank | Grade (BPS) | Salary Range | Entry Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector General of Police (IGP) | BPS-21/22 | PKR 184,900 - 370,000 | Promotion |
| Additional IGP (Addl. IGP) | BPS-21 | PKR 184,900 - 323,000 | Promotion |
| Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | BPS-20 | PKR 155,180 - 285,000 | Promotion |
| Senior Superintendent (SSP) | BPS-19 | PKR 130,100 - 250,000 | Promotion |
| Superintendent of Police (SP) | BPS-18 | PKR 109,280 - 220,000 | Promotion |
| Deputy Superintendent (DSP) | BPS-17 | PKR 91,590 - 193,000 | Promotion from Constable/ASI |
| Assistant Superintendent (ASP) | BPS-17 | PKR 91,590 - 193,000 | CSS Exam |
Inspectorate (Upper Subordinate)
| Rank | Grade (BPS) | Salary Range | Entry Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector / SHO | BPS-16 | PKR 76,810 - 169,000 | Promotion from SI |
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | BPS-14 | PKR 54,260 - 128,000 | Promotion from ASI |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) | BPS-11 | PKR 35,970 - 91,000 | Promotion from Head Constable |
Lower Subordinate (Constabulary)
| Rank | Grade (BPS) | Salary Range | Entry Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Constable | BPS-9 | PKR 27,910 - 71,000 | Promotion from Constable |
| Constable | BPS-7 | PKR 22,610 - 56,000 | Direct Recruitment |
Career Progression Path
Entry Level - Constable
Join as Constable (BPS-5/6) through provincial police recruitment. Requires Middle to Matriculation education.
Promotion to Head Constable
After 5-7 years of service and good performance, promotion to Head Constable (BPS-7/8).
Sub-Inspector (SI)
Through departmental exam or direct recruitment (BA/BSc required). Entry into supervisory roles.
Inspector & Above
Promotion to Inspector and higher ranks through seniority, performance, and training courses.
Gazetted Officer (ASP/DSP)
Through CSS exam (Police Service of Pakistan) or provincial PMS exam for direct entry as ASP/DSP.
Senior Positions (SP to IGP)
Career progression through performance, training at National Police Academy, and leadership experience.
Specialized Police Units
Elite Force / Special Combat Unit
Highly trained commandos for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and special operations. Requires additional training and physical fitness.
Traffic Police
Manages road traffic, enforces traffic laws, and ensures road safety. Separate recruitment and training for traffic wardens.
Investigation Wing
Criminal investigation department handling complex cases, forensics, and detective work. Requires specialized training.
Dolphin Force
Quick Response Force for rapid emergency response and patrolling in major cities. Elite trained personnel.
Anti-Corruption
Investigates corruption cases within government departments and public offices. Requires integrity clearance.
Motorway Police (NH&MP)
Federal force managing motorways and highways. Separate recruitment with competitive pay scales (BPS-6 to BPS-19).
Railway Police
Security and law enforcement on railway premises and trains. Under federal jurisdiction.
Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
Specialized unit combating terrorism and extremism. Highly trained officers with special allowances.
Benefits & Allowances
Additional Allowances
- Special Police Allowance: 15-25% of basic pay for all police personnel
- Risk Allowance: Extra allowance for officers in high-risk areas or specialized units
- Medical Allowance: Free medical treatment for self and family at police hospitals
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30-45% of basic pay based on posting location
- Conveyance Allowance: For travel expenses and official duties
- Uniform & Equipment: Free uniform, boots, and equipment provided
- Weapon Allowance: For officers authorized to carry firearms
- Pension & Gratuity: Post-retirement benefits and gratuity after 25 years service
Additional Benefits
- Residential quarters or subsidized accommodation
- Children education stipends and scholarships
- Martyrdom benefits for families (substantial compensation and monthly stipend)
- Police welfare fund for emergencies
- Training opportunities at National Police Academy and abroad
- Career development through specialized courses
- Job security and post-retirement employment opportunities
Entry Requirements & Recruitment
For Constable Position
- Education: Middle (Class 8) to Matriculation (10th grade)
- Age: 18-25 years (relaxation for ex-servicemen)
- Height: Minimum 5'6" (167 cm) for men, 5'2" (157 cm) for women
- Chest: 32-34 inches (expandable to 36 inches) for men
- Physical Fitness: Must pass physical endurance tests (running, long jump, high jump)
- Medical Fitness: Eye sight 6/6, no color blindness, general health certificate
For Sub-Inspector (Direct Recruitment)
- Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) in 2nd division
- Age: 20-28 years
- Written Test: General knowledge, English, Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies
- Physical Test: Same as constable with higher standards
- Interview: Personality assessment and aptitude test
For ASP/DSP (Through CSS/PMS)
- CSS Exam: Join Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) through FPSC CSS examination
- PMS Exam: Provincial Management Service exam for provincial police gazetted posts
- Education: Bachelor's degree (2nd division minimum)
- Age: 21-30 years for CSS (varies for PMS)
- Training: 1 year training at National Police Academy, Islamabad
Provincial & Federal Police Forces
Punjab Police
Strength: 190,000+ personnel
Districts: 41 districts
Website: punjabpolice.gov.pk
Sindh Police
Strength: 140,000+ personnel
Districts: 30 districts
Website: sindhpolice.gov.pk
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police
Strength: 80,000+ personnel
Districts: 35 districts
Website: kppolice.gov.pk
Balochistan Police
Strength: 35,000+ personnel
Districts: 34 districts
Website: balochistanpolice.gov.pk
Islamabad Capital Police
Strength: 7,000+ personnel
Zones: 6 zones
Federal territory police force
National Highways & Motorway Police
Type: Federal Force
Coverage: Motorways & Highways
Known for professionalism and discipline
Training Institutions
National Police Academy, Islamabad
Premier training institute for CSS qualified ASPs and senior officers. Offers comprehensive training in police management, law, and modern policing techniques.
Provincial Police Training Centers
- Punjab: Police Training College, Chung (Lahore), Sihala Police Training Center
- Sindh: Sindh Police Academy, Saeedabad (Karachi)
- KPK: Police Training College, Hangu
- Balochistan: Police Training College, Quetta
Specialized Training
- Elite Force Training School (Commando Training)
- Traffic Management & Road Safety Training
- Investigation & Forensic Science Training
- Counter-Terrorism & Intelligence Training
- Women Police Training Centers