ALMOST a week ago the Sindh government issued a notification of an increase of Rs400 as special allowance in the salaries of the Sindh police officials. Prior to this, in his last days, the Arabab-led government had increased Rs1,000 in the salary of the Sindh police officials.

The increase was made in a bid to bring the Sindh police officials' salary at par with that of the Punjab police officials.

Interestingly, on both the occasions, officials from the rank of assistant sub-inspector to the provincial police officer were deliberately neglected and such an increase was made in the salary of constables and head constables only.

This is quite illogical and prejudicial because officers from rank of an ASI to that of the PPO are also employees of the Sindh police and they also work hard for the department.

Admitted that a police constable's job is difficult and a tough one, but not to take into account the work and responsibilities of other officials is sheer injustice.

Police officers from the rank of an ASI to the inspector are not entitled to TA and DA. They have to reach duty places on their own. They have to attend court, meetings, inquires and similar other government duties at least for three days in a week at their own expense. In these times when commodities of daily use are getting dearer and dearer, one has to face difficulties in meeting one's needs. Hence, police officials, especially those who solely rely on and believe in honest livelihood, have to face difficulties when they are posted to far-off areas to perform their duties.

Therefore, it is absolutely illogical not to deem their right for the same increase. In my humble and honest view, I state that they have not been considered fit for increase in salary on the grounds that they enjoy perks and kickbacks. In this connection, I would say that as all police constables and head constables who have been found eligible for the said benefit are not honest; similarly, all officials from an ASI to the PPO are not dishonest either. Many of them live hand to mouth.

Similarly, according to the same notification of increase in the salary of the Sindh police officials, a 20 per cent increase in the salaries of officials from peon to the PPO who are posted in central police office, Karachi, has been given. This is also illogical. In my opinion, salary of officials of DIGPs, RPOs, DPOs, SPs (investigation) and other officials should have been done. Do the officials in these offices not work in the government interests?

I, therefore, request the authorities concerned to look into the matter and if my view is found correct, then revise the notification so that no Sindh police officials are neglected and every one of them is given their due and equal right. As discussed above, prejudicial and biased policies give birth to unrest and despondency among other officials.

ZULFIQAR ALI LANGAH

Khanwahan, Naushahro Feroze