Rawalpindi CPO goes on 7-day foreign leave, Grade-18 officer gets charge

Islamabad – The Punjab government has assigned the “look-after charge” of the Grade-20 post of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi to a Grade-18 officer during the seven-day foreign leave of CPO Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera raising questions within police circles about the availability of senior officers.

According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) on August 27, 2026, Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera (PSP/BS-20) who is serving as the City Police Officer Rawalpindi has been granted seven days of ex-Pakistan leave from September 13 to 19, 2026.

According to the notification, Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera will visit the United States and Canada during his leave. The Punjab government has also issued an NOC for his foreign travel, subject to the condition that the trip will not impose any financial burden on the government. He will continue to receive his salary in Pakistani currency during the leave period.

Grade-18 officer given additional charge of CPO

During Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera’s absence, SSP Operations Rawalpindi Malik Tariq Mehboob (PSP/BS-18) has been assigned the “look-after charge” of CPO Rawalpindi.

Malik Tariq Mehboob will perform the responsibilities of CPO Rawalpindi in addition to his existing duties and the arrangement will remain in effect for the duration of Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera’s leave.

Questions raised over availability of senior officers

The decision to assign the charge of a Grade-20 post to a Grade-18 officer has sparked debate within police circles. Questions are being raised as to whether there is a shortage of eligible Grade-19 officers in the Punjab Police or whether another administrative constraint led to the appointment.

As a matter of administrative practice, the additional charge of a Grade-20 post such as CPO Rawalpindi is generally assigned to a Grade-19 or more senior officer. In this context, assigning the responsibility to a Grade-18 officer is being viewed as an unusual arrangement.

According to sources, the decision may have been taken due to the unavailability of an eligible senior officer or an immediate administrative requirement.

The notification has been signed by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. Copies have been sent to the Provincial Police Officer Punjab, District Accounts Officer Rawalpindi and other relevant authorities for information and necessary action.