Over 5,000 Vacancies in Balochistan Police Amid Rising Terrorism and Crime; Promotions Also Delayed

QUETTA: Despite a surge in terrorism, robberies, kidnappings for ransom, and other criminal activities in Balochistan, the provincial police force is facing a severe shortage of personnel, with more than 5,000 positions currently lying vacant.

According to police sources, a total of 5,147 posts remain unfilled across various ranks, placing an increasing burden on the existing workforce and raising concerns over the force’s ability to effectively maintain law and order.

The vacant positions include 88 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 20 Deputy Directors, 96 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 42 Assistant Directors, 98 Inspectors, 23 Prosecutor Inspectors, 247 Sub-Inspectors, 28 Office Superintendents, 96 Assistants, 18 Senior Clerks, 339 Junior Clerks, 30 Assistant Supervisors, 500 Orderlies, 877 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), 365 Head Constables, and 2,280 Constables.

Police sources said the staff shortage has compelled officers and personnel assigned to police stations, traffic management, investigations, operations, and administrative departments to perform additional duties. This situation is likely to affect both operational efficiency and the timely delivery of police services to the public.

Meanwhile, police personnel have also expressed concern over delays in promotions that have remained pending since last year. They stated that many officers and officials have fulfilled all required service and experience criteria but are still awaiting promotion.

According to the officials, timely promotions play a vital role in boosting morale and improving professional performance within the force.

Police personnel have urged Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to immediately initiate recruitment against the vacant posts and expedite the pending promotion cases.

They further called for urgent measures to address the manpower crisis in the police department to strengthen counterterrorism efforts, combat rising crime, and ensure better security services for the people of Balochistan.