GILGIT: In an unprecedented move on Tuesday, at least 63 police personnel in Gilgit-Baltistan were suspended and dozens more face disciplinary action after staging a sit-in to demand implementation of increased daily allowances already approved by the regional assembly.
The protest began late Monday night in the Red Zone outside the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Chinar Bagh, where uniformed and plain-clothes officers — including women constables — gathered in defiance of departmental orders. Their main demand was the issuance of a formal notification for the allowance hike, which they claim has been delayed without justification despite budgetary clearance.
In swift retaliation, Gilgit police suspended more than 63 officers for “grave misconduct” and violation of service rules, while Hunza police suspended nine more. The suspended personnel will not receive salaries during the inquiry.
A statement from the Gilgit-Baltistan Police’s Disciplinary Action Committee stressed that “discipline is the fundamental characteristic and defining identity of the police service,” warning that breaches would be met with strict consequences.
The protesting officers, however, insisted their cause went beyond financial demands. “This is not just about allowances — it’s about dignity, fairness, and survival,” one officer told reporters. They have submitted a charter of demands and vowed not to accept verbal assurances or partial measures.
This marks the second such protest in recent weeks. The previous sit-in ended after talks with government representatives, but officers say no tangible progress followed. The latest standoff prompted GB Assembly Speaker Nazir Ahmed and PPP provincial president Amjad Hussain Advocate to engage with the demonstrators, while the Inspector General of Police called the strike “uncalled for” and hinted at further action.
