PHC orders payment of police increments

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued directives for the immediate payment of increment amounts to police personnel who were upgraded to various pay scales but were not granted corresponding salary increments, observing that officers laying down their lives in the war against terrorism should not have to run from court to court for their due rights.

Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah presided over the hearing, during which lawyers for the petitioners and the Additional Advocate General appeared before the court. The counsel informed the court that police personnel up to grade 11 across the province had been upgraded, yet their salaries had not been adjusted with the applicable increments.

"Police officers are being martyred in the ongoing war against terrorism, including in Bannu," remarked Chief Justice Shah. "These individuals are performing their duties on the front lines, facing attacks on a daily basis. Why are they being denied their rights? Even for their legitimate claims, they are forced to seek justice through the courts."

The chief justice further stated, "Police personnel are risking their lives to protect the nation and the country. If any officer is indulging in corruption or abuse of authority, bring it to our notice." The court has directed the Advocate General's office to submit a report regarding the provision of increments to the petitioners.