New leave policy for Islamabad Police ensures weekly off for all personnel

Islamabad police have implemented a new leave policy to simplify the process of requesting leave and guarantee at least one day of weekly rest for all personnel. The policy, issued on October 23, grants officers and officials at various levels the authority to approve leave requests, replacing previous guidelines, including one from 2022. The policy guarantees that each officer and official receives one day of weekly rest, not counting it as leave.

Male police employees are entitled to 10 days of marriage leave, while female personnel can take one month, provided approval is granted by the appropriate authority. Officers and officials working in remote districts of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, and former Fata, can choose between one day of weekly rest, seven days of rest every 45 days, or 14 days of rest every 90 days.

The policy restricts casual leave to a maximum of 10 percent of personnel at any given time, with a combined limit of 3 percent for earned and ex-pakistan leave within a unit or office. Additionally, the policy covers maternity or paternity leave and medical leave, with delegation of powers for approving these leaves based on rank.

Examinations for the Central Superior Services or Provincial Civil Service allow police personnel to receive up to 20 days of leave, while those appearing in interviews may be granted up to 15 days, subject to approval. However, the new policy clarifies that leave is not a right and may be denied or canceled by the competent authority for the department's benefit or due to official exigencies.

The order emphasizes that the new leave policy was developed in collaboration with officers of various ranks and welcomes further suggestions for improvement through the appropriate channels.