MINGORA, May 20: The fate of over 2,000 Special Police Force (SPF) personnel in Malakand hangs in the balance as their contract will end in June 2013, while funds shortage is stated to be a stumbling block in the way of their regularisation.

Established in 2009 by the previous provincial government to restore peace in Malakand division, the SPF personnel played a key role in restoration of peace in the post-militancy era in the region.

Initially, 7,324 youth were recruited from all districts of Malakand division. Presently, 2,520 personnel, trained by Pakistan Army instructors, are performing duties in Swat.

Police sources said that despite being an effective force the government was mulling to wind up the SPF due to paucity of funds. The salaries of the SPF personnel were paid during last three years from the funds provided for the purpose by foreign countries.

The political and social circles have demanded of the coming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to regularise services of the SPF officials. They said that the force was established at a critical time when the militants were calling the shots there.

They said that with a monthly salary of Rs10,000 these personnel had been living a tough life despite performing duties like regular police.

One of SPF officials told Dawn on condition of anonymity that they joined the force at a time when nobody was ready for recruitment due to fear of militants.

He said that dozens of their colleagues had been killed in the line of duty.

He demanded of the government to regularise their services so they could support their families.

Swat Qaumi Jirga spokesman Khurshid Khan said that local people were recruited in the SPF who knew how to deal with the law and order situation in the area. He said that the force should be retained.