Police candidates protest outside K-P Assembly

A group of candidates who have successfully passed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police recruitment test staged a protest demonstration outside of provincial Assembly, demanding immediate recruitment.

The protesters blocked Khyber Road, bringing traffic to a standstill, with long queues of vehicles and severe congestion.

A heavy police contingent was deployed at the scene to manage the situation. The protesters held placards and banners highlighting their grievances and chanted slogans against the delay in recruitment.

The protesters stated that they had applied for police recruitment last year, cleared the National Testing Service (NTS) exam, and even underwent interviews, but their hiring process has been stalled.

The candidates claimed that they cleared the exam successfully but the unnecessary delay afterwards had left them confused and frustrated.

The protesters further explained that after passing the tests, 520 male candidates underwent special branch verification and board verification, submitting the required fee in anticipation of selection. However, only 93 candidates have been called for medical tests, with the authorities citing a lack of vacancies as the reason for the delay.

The protesters expressed frustration and disappointment, pointing out the inconsistency in the recruitment process. They noted that in 2023, candidates with as low as 25 marks were recruited, whereas now, candidates with scores of 55 or 70 are being overlooked.

Many fear they will age out of eligibility for future recruitment drives, leaving them with no opportunity to reapply.

Protesters urged the K-P Chief Minister and Inspector General of police to take immediate notice and ensure justice. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would expand the scope of their protests. Many parents, some elderly and ill, are deeply concerned about their sons' uncertain futures.