Sub-Inspectors of the Balochistan Police have taken legal action at the Balochistan High Court, challenging the integration of the Balochistan Levies force into their ranks over claims that the move is fuelling significant unrest and effectively ending their opportunities for career advancement.
In a constitutional petition filed on Thursday, the officers clarified that while they support the general principle of merging the two forces, they contest the direct appointment of Levies personnel to senior positions, describing the decision as unjust and a severe blow to the established principles of seniority.
The petitioners informed the court that many of them possess high academic qualifications, including Master”s and Bachelor”s degrees, alongside extensive practical experience in investigation, operations, and administrative duties. Despite these credentials, they argued that their professional growth has been stalled for a considerable period.
Citing provincial police laws, the petition asserted that an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) recruited through the Public Service Commission should be promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) within 15 years. However, the officers contended that despite serving for nearly 18 years, most have only received a single promotion from ASI to Sub-Inspector.
The court was told that promotion opportunities within the police force have been consistently overlooked compared to other government departments. The direct induction of Levies officers into the ranks of Inspector and DSP has, according to the petition, practically eliminated any chance for serving police officers to achieve the post of Superintendent of Police (SP) before retirement.
In their plea, the petitioners have requested the court to ensure that commissioned officers of the Balochistan Police are recognised on par with other commissioned officers, seeking a system where educated and experienced personnel can receive justice and advancement based on merit.