Joining Police Service in Pakistan

Joining Police Service in Pakistan: A Complete Guide to Ranks, Recruitment, and Career Paths

Pakistan’s law enforcement system is made up of several police organizations working under federal and provincial rules. This guide explains the general police rank structure and provides clear information on how to join various police forces.

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General Police Ranks in Pakistan

While slight variations exist among provinces, the core police rank structure is generally divided into Senior Ranks and Junior Ranks. Note that titles such as SHO, SDPO, DPO, CPO, RPO, and PPO refer to positions rather than official ranks (i.e., an officer of a lower rank may temporarily serve in a higher post).

Senior Ranks

Junior Ranks

Below you will find detailed requirements and pathways for joining each major police force in Pakistan. Each section is structured to provide a clear view of eligibility, selection processes, and physical/educational standards.

1: Punjab Police

Punjab Police is responsible for maintaining law and order in the province of Punjab. Officers are recruited through the Police Service of Pakistan (via the CSS exam) and through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and other special boards.

Key Units and Formations:

• Key Units:
  • Anti-Riot Force (ARF),Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA),Counter Terrorism Department (CTD),Organized Crime Unit (CIA),Special Protection Unit (SPU),Dolphin Force
• Main Formations:
  • Central Police Office (CPO), Punjab
  • Regional formations (Investigation, Special, Telecommunication, and Operations)

Recruitment Pathways:

• Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP):
  • Grade: BPS-17
  • Recruitment: Through the CSS exam by FPSC.
• Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI):
  • Grade: BPS-09/11
  • Recruitment: Usually via service quota through PPSC.
• Constable:
  • Grade: BPS-05
  • Recruitment: Through a special board headed by a DIG.

2: Sindh Police

Sindh Police enforces law and order in the province of Sindh. It includes specialized units to address modern challenges, especially in urban areas like Karachi.

Special Units

Special Security Unit (SSU)

• Role: A specialized counterterrorism and security unit based in Karachi that reports directly to the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh.

Organization Structure

• Central Police Office (CPO), Karachi: Acts as the headquarters where the IG is based.
• Administrative Divisions:
  • Ranges led by an Additional IG
  • Regions/districts managed by DIGs and SSPs

Recruitment Pathways

• Constable (BPS-07):
  • Eligibility: Matriculation education
  • Selection Process: Physical, written, and interview tests
• Assistant Sub-Inspector (BPS-11):
  • Eligibility: Intermediate education
  • Selection Process: Physical and written tests conducted by SPSC or special boards
• Assistant Superintendent of Police (BPS-17):
  • Recruitment: Through the CSS exam administered by the FPSC

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police

KPK Police is tasked with maintaining law and order in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following a rank structure similar to other regions.

Recruitment Pathways:

• Constable:
  • Selection Process:
    • Candidates must pass a physical fitness test, which includes an endurance run and other physical assessments, along with a written test and an interview.The test is administered by the Education Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) or KPSC.
• Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI):
  • Selection Process:
    • Involves a written examination, organized either by the KP Public Service Commission (KPPSc) or the KPK Police’s recruitment board, followed by physical assessments.
• Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP):
  • Recruitment Process:
    • Often conducted through the CSS exam by FPSC or via departmental promotion channels.

4. Balochistan Police

Balochistan Police handles law enforcement in the Balochistan province. The recruitment for lower ranks is mainly focused on local candidates who meet specific education and physical standards.

Recruitment Pathways:

• Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP):
  • Grade: BPS-17
  • Recruitment: Through the CSS exam by FPSC.
• Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI):
  • Grade: BPS-11
  • Recruitment:Through the exam by BPSC
• Constable / Lady Constable:
  • Grade: BPS-07
  • Recruitment:Through the exam by BPSC

5. Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police

The ICT Police, formed by Presidential Orders (No. 17 and 18 in 1980), is responsible for law enforcement in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Departments and Units

• Key Departments Include:
  • Islamabad Traffic Police,Counter Terrorism Department,Special Branch,Investigation Branch,Safe City Operation,IT Branch
• Special Units:
  • Crime Investigation Agency (CIA): Handles investigations into serious crimes and includes specialized cells such as the Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC).
  • Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS): A commando force designated for counterterrorism and high-risk operations.

Recruitment Pathways:

Joining as a Constable

• Physical Endurance Test: Candidates must pass an endurance run (for example, 1.5 miles in approximately 10.5 minutes for men and 15 minutes for women) to ensure fitness.
• Written Test: Generally organized by the National Testing Service (NTS) or a designated body.
• Joining as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
  • Physical & Medical Standards: Similar physical requirements apply as for constables (with specific height and fitness standards) along with a thorough medical 
  • Written Examination: Often conducted by the NTS, covering subjects such as general knowledge, English, and reasoning.

Ready to Secure Your Future in the Police Service? 

Aspiring to Become an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)?

Ready to take on a leadership role in the police force? Learn more about how to become an ASP. click here 

Want to Join as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)?

Take the first step toward a career in law enforcement by joining as an ASI 
🔹 Join Punjab Police as ASI click here
🔹 Join Sindh Police as ASI click here
🔹 Join Balochistan Police as ASI click here
🔹 Join KPK Police as ASI click here
🔹 Join Islamabad Police as ASI click here

Want to Serve as a Police Constable?

Join the front lines of law enforcement and help maintain peace and security as a Constable:
🔹 Join Punjab Police as Constable click here
🔹 Join Sindh Police as Constable click here
🔹 Join Balochistan Police as Constable click here
🔹 Join KPK Police as Constable click here
🔹 Join Islamabad Police as Constable click here