Federal govt approves security allowance for officers in 26 terrorism-hit districts
K-P Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
The federal government has declared 26 districts across six regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as hard areas and approved a security risk allowance for administrative and police officers posted in these terrorism-hit areas.
The Establishment Division, Islamabad, has formally conveyed the decision to the K-P chief secretary through an official letter. Under the decision, eligible officers will receive a security risk allowance equivalent to 250 per cent of their basic pay, which will be borne by the federal government. The allowance, however, will be subject to income tax.
According to the official communication, the allowance will take effect from July 1. Its payment will immediately cease when an officer is transferred out of a designated hard area.
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Officers will also not be entitled to the allowance during suspension, while posted as Officers on Special Duty (OSD), during joining time or throughout training periods. The allowance will not be counted for the purpose of calculating pension or gratuity.
The districts declared hard areas include Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Charsadda, Mohmand, Nowshera, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Upper and Lower South Waziristan, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Bajaur, Upper and Lower Dir, and Upper and Lower Chitral.
However, officers posted in Swabi district and the Hazara Division will not be eligible for the security risk allowance.
The federal government has taken the decision in view of the growing threat of terrorism, security challenges and risks faced by government officers while performing their duties in these districts.
