The Islamabad Capital Territory Police announced on Wednesday that the contracts of 29 individuals — a mix of former officers and civilian staff — have been terminated with immediate effect. The move was carried out under the authority of Inspector General of Police Captain (retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry, who signed off on the administrative order late on 4 October 2026.
According to sources inside the department, all affected personnel were employed on temporary contracts across a range of sections, including patrol units, investigation cells and administrative offices. The decision was implemented without a notice period, and the police headquarters has not released details regarding any severance pay, re‑assignment or appeal mechanism for the dismissed workers.
Contractual recruitment has become a common feature of the Islamabad Police in recent years, intended to supplement the regular cadre and address short‑term staffing gaps. However, the reliance on short‑term hires has also raised concerns about continuity, training standards and fiscal oversight. IG Chaudhry, who took charge in early 2025, has repeatedly emphasized the need to “rationalise the force’s composition” and to eliminate positions that do not meet performance benchmarks, a stance that aligns with broader civil‑service reforms advocated by the Ministry of Interior.
The abrupt termination is likely to reverberate among the remaining contract employees, many of whom fear similar actions if performance evaluations are not met. Police unions have not yet issued an official response, but senior officers warned that sudden workforce reductions could affect operational readiness, especially in a city that has seen a surge in traffic‑related incidents and public‑order challenges over the past year. Legal experts note that while the IG has discretionary power to end temporary appointments, affected individuals may seek recourse through the service tribunals if they believe procedural safeguards were ignored.
Overall, the action reflects an ongoing drive by the Islamabad Police leadership to streamline its manpower and tighten accountability. Observers will be watching how the department balances the need for a leaner, more efficient force with the potential risks of reduced staffing levels, particularly at a time when the capital is preparing for a series of high‑profile international events later this year.