The police force in Pakistan plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order across the country. From preventing crime to ensuring public safety and managing large-scale security operations, police officers are among the most visible public servants in society. The structure of the police system in Pakistan is hierarchical, with ranks ranging from the lowest level of constable to the highest level of Inspector General of Police (IGP). Each rank carries different responsibilities and offers different levels of compensation, influenced by the officer’s experience, posting, and province.
We provide a detailed look into the police ranks in Pakistan, their monthly salary estimates, and how the hierarchy functions.
Overview of Police Structure in Pakistan
Pakistan’s police system is organized by provinces, meaning each province (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) manages its own police force. The general rank structure is generally consistent across the country. The ranking system is broadly categorized into:
- Lower ranks (non-gazetted officers)
- Higher ranks (gazetted officers)
This hierarchy ensures discipline, responsibility, and operational efficiency throughout the police departments.
Lower Ranks in Pakistan Police
1. Constable BPS-07
The Constable (BPS-07) is the entry-level position in Pakistan’s police and law enforcement. With a basic salary of Rs. 16,310 to Rs. 43,610, constables perform patrolling, assist in law enforcement, and support senior officers.
Monthly Salary:
- Approx. PKR 45,000 to 49,000 (varies by province and allowances)
02. Junior Patrol Officer (JPO) BPS-07 Salary
The Junior Patrol Officer (JPO) in Pakistan (Motorway Police) is a BPS-07 position with a basic salary starting at Rs. 16,310 and reaching up to Rs. 43,610. Along with basic pay, JPOs receive allowances such as risk allowance, fuel allowance, and housing/medical benefits. They perform traffic regulation, patrolling, and law enforcement on national highways and motorways.
Role: Constables are the entry-level officers in the police force.. They are responsible for patrolling, guarding public places, and assisting in investigations.
3. Head Constable BPS-09
The Head Constable (BPS-09) is a supervisory rank above Constable in Pakistan’s police. With a basic pay ranging from Rs. 18,650 to Rs. 58,650, they assist Sub Inspectors, maintain case records, and oversee constables.
Monthly Salary:
- Around PKR 55,000 to 65,000
Role: Promoted from constable, the head constable supervises constables and assists Sub Inspectors and ASIs in carrying out daily operations.
4. Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) BPS-11
Role: ASIs manage basic administrative duties at the police station and conduct minor investigations. They report to Sub Inspectors.
Monthly Starting Salary:
- PKR 55,000 to 65,000
The Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) BPS-11 is a key law enforcement role in Pakistan with a basic salary of Rs. 22,530 and a maximum of Rs. 74,730. ASIs assist in investigations, maintain law and order, and supervise junior staff. Recruited via FPSC or PPSC, they enjoy allowances, job security, and promotion opportunities to higher ranks.
5. Sub Inspector (SI) BPS-14
Role: The individual frequently serves as a Station House Officer (SHO) in smaller police stations.. Responsible for leading a team, lodging FIRs, and conducting investigations.
Monthly Salary:
- PKR 70,000 to 75,000
The Sub Inspector (SI) BPS-14 is a mid-level officer in police and law enforcement agencies in Pakistan. With a basic salary of Rs. 28,070 and a max of Rs. 95,870, SIs lead investigations, register FIRs, and manage police stations. They are recruited via PPSC/FPSC and can be promoted to Inspector and higher ranks.
6. Inspector BPS-16
Role: Inspectors are senior field officers, often responsible for overseeing multiple police stations or working under DSPs. They also function as SHOs in larger police stations.
Monthly Salary:
- Around PKR 85,000 to 120,000
The Inspector (BPS-16) is a senior operational officer in Pakistan’s law enforcement, overseeing investigations, supervising SIs/ASIs, and managing critical cases. The basic pay starts at Rs. 35,230 and goes up to Rs. 112,630, excluding allowances.
7. Assistant Superintendent Jail BPS-16 Salary
The Assistant Superintendent Jail is a BPS-16 officer in the Prison Department, responsible for supervising jail operations, inmate management, and staff discipline. Basic pay starts at Rs. 35,230 and goes up to Rs. 112,630, excluding allowances. Recruited through PPSC/FPSC, they ensure law, order, and rehabilitation inside prisons and can be promoted to Superintendent Jail.
Higher Ranks in Pakistan Police (Gazetted Officers)
These ranks are generally held by officers who enter the police force through the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination or are promoted from lower ranks after years of service.
8. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Role: ASPs are directly appointed through the CSS exam and begin their careers in executive posts. They oversee investigations, police stations, and sometimes entire subdivisions.
Monthly Salary:
- Varies between PKR 70,000 to 100,000, depending on allowances.
9. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
Role: DSPs may be promoted from lower ranks or appointed through internal processes. They supervise several police stations and are responsible for regional security and law enforcement.
Monthly Salary:
- Around PKR 80,000 to 110,000
10. Superintendent of Police (SP)
Role: An SP oversees a district or a large operational area. They supervise DSPs and manage resource allocation and major operations.
Monthly Salary:
- Approx. PKR 100,000 to 140,000
11. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
Role: SSPs command the police force of a major district or city division and have strategic responsibilities.
Monthly Salary:
- PKR 120,000 to 160,000
12. Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
Role: DIGs oversee entire zones or multiple districts and coordinate with various departments. This is a senior command-level post.
Monthly Salary:
- PKR 150,000 to 200,000+
13. Additional Inspector General (Addl. IG)
Role: Assists the Inspector General in formulating and enforcing policies, commands multiple DIGs, and handles top-level administration.
Monthly Salary:
- PKR 205,000 to 280,000+
14. Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Role: The highest-ranking officer in the province. The IGP leads the provincial police department, reports directly to the Chief Minister, and formulates policies for provincial law enforcement.
Monthly Salary:
- Ranges from PKR 250,000 to 300,000+ depending on scale and allowances
DPO Rank in Police Pakistan
District Police Officer (DPO) is typically an officer holding the SP or SSP rank who is responsible for law enforcement in an entire district. The DPO ensures smooth policing, public complaints handling, and coordination with civil administration.
SHO Police Rank in Pakistan
The Station House Officer (SHO) is not a rank but a post. It is usually held by:
- Sub Inspectors (SI) in smaller stations
- Inspectors in larger stations
They are in charge of all police activities in a police station, including maintaining law and order and supervising investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the salary of SP in Pakistan?
The monthly salary for a Superintendent of Police (SP) ranges from PKR 100,000 to 140,000, including basic pay and allowances.
What is the rank of SHO in Pakistan?
The SHO is typically a Sub Inspector (SI) or Inspector, depending on the police station’s size and importance.
Which is higher: DSP or ASP in Pakistan?
- ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) usually enters through CSS and holds a higher bureaucratic position.
- DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) may be promoted through ranks.
Both are similar in status, but ASP is often considered slightly higher in hierarchy due to direct appointment through federal exams.
What is the salary of ASP in Pakistan?
An ASP typically earns between PKR 70,000 and 100,000 per month, depending on province, post, and allowances.
Provincial Variations in Police Salaries
Punjab Police:
- Average monthly salary for lower ranks: PKR 30,000 – 50,000
- Mid- to high-rank officers earn significantly more due to allowances.
Sindh Police:
- Salaries for constables can go up to PKR 95,000 – 120,000, especially with city-based allowances in Karachi.
Factors Affecting Police Salaries in Pakistan
- Rank & Seniority: Naturally, the higher the rank, the better the pay.
- Province: Salaries vary widely by province based on budget and allowances.
- Experience: Officers with more years of service often get higher pay and bonuses.
- Departmental Posting: Officers in special units like CTD, Elite Force, or traffic may receive additional benefits.
- Allowances & Perks: Police officers may receive benefits such as housing, fuel, and risk allowances.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Police Force is a structured and well-organized institution with a clear hierarchy of ranks and pay grades. From constables to IGPs, each officer plays a vital role in maintaining peace and enforcing the law. While salaries differ based on rank, province, and posting, one thing remains constant—these individuals serve with commitment under challenging circumstances.