The Assistant Commissioner (AC) is one of the most sought-after and powerful positions in Pakistan’s bureaucracy, typically filled through CSS (Central Superior Services) or PCS (Provincial Civil Services). Recruited at BPS-17, ACs enjoy respectable salaries, power, and protocol from the beginning of their careers.
This article explains in detail the salary, powers, protocol, facilities, and scope of Assistant Commissioners in Pakistan, and includes comparisons with other BPS-17 officers such as ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) and Section Officers.
Who is an Assistant Commissioner (AC)?
An Assistant Commissioner is a BPS-17 officer who acts as the administrative head of a tehsil or subdivision. They are responsible for revenue matters, law enforcement coordination, public service delivery, and disaster management.
⚖️ Routes to Becoming AC:
- CSS (Federal) – Recruited through FPSC into Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) or OMG, then posted as AC.
- PCS/PMS (Provincial) – Recruited by PPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, or BPSC. Posted as AC within the province.
Assistant Commissioner Salary in Pakistan (2025 Updated)
The monthly salary of a BPS-17 Assistant Commissioner in Pakistan varies based on the province, location, department and allowances.
Basic Salary Structure (BPS-17 – 2025)
| Salary Component | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 45,070 – 113,470 |
| House Rent Allowance | 7,500 – 15,000 |
| Conveyance Allowance | 7,000 – 8,000 |
| Medical Allowance | 2,000 |
| Utility Allowance | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Adhoc Relief (2022–2024) | 15–20% of Basic Pay |
| Executive/Field Allowances | Varies by province |
| Total Monthly Salary | PKR 95,000 – 170,000+ |
Province-Wise AC Salary Breakdown (Estimates)
| Province/Region | Starting Monthly Salary (PKR) | Additional Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 95,000 – 140,000 | Executive Allowance, Field Compensations |
| Sindh | 100,000 – 150,000 | Executive + Utility + Project Allowances |
| KPK | 90,000 – 130,000 | Performance Bonus, Conveyance |
| Balochistan | 90,000 – 120,000 | Risk & Hard Area Allowance |
| Islamabad | 105,000 – 160,000 | Federal Secretariat + Executive Allowance |
Powers and Responsibilities of Assistant Commissioner
Assistant Commissioners hold strong administrative and executive powers, which include:
- Revenue Collection & Land Administration
- Acting as Magistrate under CrPC in some areas
- Conducting anti-encroachment drives
- Price control inspections and sealing businesses
- Managing public order, especially during crises
- Supervising elections, flood relief, and disaster response
- Monitoring development projects and government schemes
Protocol and Facilities for AC (BPS-17)
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Residence | Provided in most districts/tehsils |
| Government Vehicle | Usually a Toyota Corolla or SUV, with fuel and driver |
| Office Setup | Dedicated office, staff, and public dealing setup |
| Security Protocol | Provided during field visits and sensitive tasks |
| Guest House Use | Eligible for rest houses and circuit houses across the country |
Also Read: Assistant Election Commissioner Salary
Comparison with Other CSS Officers (BPS-17)
1. ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) – PSP
- Salary: PKR 110,000 – 170,000/month
- Perks: Vehicle, uniform allowance, security, police residence
- Power: Law enforcement, FIR registration, investigations
2. Section Officer (SO) – OMG/Provincial Secretariat
- Salary: PKR 90,000 – 130,000
- Scope: Secretariat-level file processing and coordination
3. Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Officers
- Initial Posting: AC (BPS-17)
- Promotion Path: DC (BPS-18/19) → Commissioner → Federal Secretary
- Scope: Broadest among all services, both federal and provincial
CSS Scope and Salary in Pakistan
CSS officers are recruited via FPSC exams and enjoy:
- Initial Grade: BPS-17
- Salary: PKR 90,000 – 160,000 (depends on service)
- Perks: Official housing, vehicles, protocol, security
- Growth: Promotions to BPS-21/22 over time
- Popular Groups:
- PAS (Administrative)
- PSP (Police)
- FSP (Foreign)
- IRS (Tax)
- PCS/PMS (Provincial)
Promotion Path of Assistant Commissioner (PAS/PCS)
| Post | Grade |
|---|---|
| Assistant Commissioner | BPS-17 |
| Deputy Commissioner (DC) | BPS-18/19 |
| Additional Commissioner | BPS-19 |
| Commissioner | BPS-20 |
| Additional Chief Secretary | BPS-21 |
| Chief Secretary / Federal Sec | BPS-22 |
Summary Table: AC/CSS Salary & Scope in Pakistan
| Position | Grade | Salary (PKR) | Power Level | Posting Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC (CSS/PAS) | 17 | 95K–160K | High | Field |
| AC (PCS/PMS) | 17 | 90K–150K | High | Field |
| ASP (Police) | 17 | 110K–170K | Very High | Field |
| Section Officer | 17 | 90K–130K | Medium | Secretariat |
| Lecturer (HEC) | 17 | 75K–120K | Low | Academic |
Final Thoughts
Becoming an Assistant Commissioner through CSS or PCS offers excellent starting salary, authority, and career progression. The prestige, power, and protocol associated with AC positions make them a top choice for aspirants, especially those aiming for PAS or PMS.