Protest aftermath: Sacked cops cry foul

GILGIT: Dozens of policemen who took part in a protest for increased salaries have been sacked, sources in the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) police department said on Monday.

“At least 20 policemen have been sacked while action against others is underway,” said a senior police official.

Hundreds of policemen in Gilgit protested against low salaries last year demanding salaries equivalent to those paid in other parts of the country. Although salaries were raised, action was also initiated against many participants.

Another source said 70 policemen had been issued show-cause notices and the number could increase in the coming days. “Most of those who have been issued notices are of lowrank,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2011.