Traffic cops protest exclusion from NHMP deputation

The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) has requested the deputation of Inspector-level officers from Punjab police which has asked for written applications from eligible Inspectors across regions, districts, and other units to serve in the NHMP. However, in the Rawalpindi region, Inspectors from the City Traffic Police and Traffic Police cadre, who are well-versed in traffic laws and duties, were not even considered. These Inspectors have demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Punjab IGP take notice and grant them the right to serve in other departments on deputation.

According to details, the NHMP regularly requests officers from different ranks in Punjab and other provinces to address staffing shortages. Recently, the NHMP sought the services of Inspectors from Punjab police, for which the IGP's office sent a letter to Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and heads of all police regions, cities, and districts in Punjab, requesting names of interested officers. However, in this context, Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani sent a letter to the Rawalpindi region's Rawal, Pothohar, and Saddar divisions, as well as the Security, CIA, and Investigation SPs, DSPs, SHOs, and Elite/Dolphin unit in-charges, asking those willing to transfer to the NHMP to submit applications immediately. Notably, the letter did not mention the City Traffic Police or Traffic Police cadre Inspectors, which has caused frustration among these officers.

In an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune, City Traffic Police and Traffic Police cadre Inspectors, who requested anonymity, shared that in the past few years, the Punjab IGP had granted promotions to a large number of Traffic Police Wardens to the rank of Inspector. As a result, the status of Traffic Police Inspectors, especially in Rawalpindi, has been devalued. These Inspectors lack proper facilities, vehicles, and proper duties.