GILGIT – More than 170 personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Gilgit-Baltistan police have been issued show-cause notices for participating in a sit-in protest against delays in the implementation of a government-announced increase in daily allowances.
The notices, served by the Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP), came despite earlier assurances from the government that no punitive action would be taken against the protesting officers.
The SPU personnel, deployed at the Diamer-Basha Dam for security duties, joined hundreds of colleagues in an eight-day protest outside the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister’s Secretariat earlier this month. The protest ended on August 18 after negotiations led by GB Assembly member Advocate Amjad Hussain, who pledged that allowances would be increased, suspended personnel reinstated, and no disciplinary action taken.
However, within a week, officers received notices alleging misconduct, including desertion of duty, protesting in uniform, inciting colleagues through social media, blocking public roads, and taking oaths against government policies.
The notices cited Police Rules 1934 and Punjab Police Efficiency and Discipline Rules 1975, warning that those found guilty could face strict disciplinary measures.
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Earlier, 36 police officers had been suspended for their involvement in the protests — including 26 reserve police from Gilgit, whose salaries were also withheld. Nine constables in Hunza and one in Baltistan were similarly suspended.
The protests began over delayed payments of allowances that had been approved to bring parity with Islamabad police. Protesters also demanded equal daily rations and inclusion in dislocation allowances.
While the GB government has emphasized the need for discipline within the force, protesting officers have accused the authorities of backtracking on their commitments.
