In the merged tribal districts, personnel from the Levies and Khasadar forces have declared their intention to boycott the forthcoming polio vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to commence on September 21. This decision stems from what they perceive as the government’s failure to meet its commitments regarding their service-related issues.
During a protest sit-in held at the historic Bab-i-Khyber, Syed Jalal, the chairman of the Levies and Khasadar forces’ committee, communicated that the boycott will persist until their grievances are addressed. An official from the Mohmand police confirmed the boycott announcement and stated that any participating personnel would face a fine of Rs25 million, a decision made by those present at the protest.
In addition to the boycott of the polio campaign, the protesting forces have ceased the registration of first information reports (FIRs) and stopped updating daily police diaries in the merged districts, according to sources within the police.
Concerns About Polio Campaign Logistics
This protest has raised significant concerns regarding the logistics of the upcoming polio vaccination drive, especially in Mohmand, where the three-day campaign is set to begin on September 21. Previously, similar threats of boycotting duties were made by Khyber police, yet officials ultimately carried out their responsibilities as usual.
A police officer remarked that former Levies and Khasadar personnel still lack a clearly defined service structure, with their tenure only being acknowledged from 2019, following the merger of the erstwhile FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This has led to anxiety among the personnel regarding their seniority and associated benefits.
The personnel have voiced serious concerns regarding the absence of a transparent framework for promotions and pensions, which they view as inequitable and are demanding a defined path for career advancement and retirement benefits.
Ongoing Protests and Future Actions
The protesters have vowed to sustain their agitation until the government fulfills its promises and resolves their service-related disputes. The committee has also declared plans to set up protest camps outside the offices of deputy commissioners in each merged district, where demonstrations will continue until their demands are met.
In a related context, despite the ongoing protests, police personnel in Mohmand recently showcased the critical role of timely intervention in maintaining public order. A police team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ali Murad Khan, effectively mediated a dispute over a passageway in Kargan Kalay, Prang Ghar, resolving the conflict and reopening the route after a brief blockage.
The protesting Levies and Khasadar personnel insist that their demonstrations will persist until their concerns are acknowledged and the government’s commitments are honored.
