Islamabad, 12 Oct 2023:Senator Hidayat Ullah, overseeing the Senate Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions, voiced displeasure on October 12th, 2023, at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department for retreating from their prior statement which recognized levies personnel as police employees, thereby disrespecting the sanctity of the Upper House and deviating from a previously established commitment. According to a press release issued by the Senate of Pakistan, the committee conveyed dissatisfaction regarding the matter of non-absorption of 23 police officers in the police department post the FATA merger, among other discussed issues, during a meeting held at the Old PIPS Hall Parliament Lodges.

The committee, chaired by Senator Hidayat Ullah, deliberated on the commitment earlier made regarding the absorption of levies and khasadar officials into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, particularly those continuing their duties despite due retirement according to the levies act. With officials of the Home Department KPK explaining that the case of the Levies and Khasadars is pending before the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal and therefore undiscussable, the committee showed frustration at the non-professional and unjust behaviour towards the affected employees. Noting legal constraints and issues of misclassification among the 08 levies and khasadars out of the 23 under consideration, an inquiry is recommended on the CPO KPK regarding the basis of his withdrawal from his statement, and the chair further demanded information regarding the statement submitted by the Home Department to the Service Tribunal concerning the absorption.

Concerns were also raised about the delayed position update of leftover cases of khasadar and Levies Force officials, who were scrutinized for validation and sent to IGP office and home department for absorption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. Out of a total of 25977 levies and Khasadars force, 3854 are remaining. The committee asserted that prolonged administrative procedures should not be at the cost of injustice to the deserving officers. The chair allocated a one-month timeline to finalize the process and submit a report.