ICT Police Extends Ban on Leaves Until October 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Police administration has officially announced the extension of an existing ban on all types of casual and regular leaves for its personnel, keeping the restriction in place until October 5, 2026.
The directive, issued by senior command, aims to maintain maximum operational readiness and ensure foolproof security across the federal capital amidst evolving law and order challenges.
According to departmental notifications, the strict measure applies to all ranks within the force, ranging from constables to senior officers. Exceptions will only be granted under extreme and unavoidable circumstances, such as critical medical emergencies or bereavement, subject to the explicit approval of high-ranking officials. The police headquarters emphasized that maintaining full troop strength is paramount to countering potential security threats and managing recurring public gatherings in the sensitive territory.
The prolonged freeze on leaves highlights the persistent security demands placed on law enforcement agencies in Pakistan’s capital, which frequently serves as the epicenter for political demonstrations, high-profile diplomatic visits, and state-level events. While security experts acknowledge the necessity of a robust security posture, internal concerns have been raised regarding the psychological well-being and operational fatigue of personnel enduring extended periods without regular rest and time off.
Police leadership has directed zonal SPs and unit commanders to strictly monitor compliance with the order and manage internal rotational shifts to mitigate burnout among frontline officers.
Further reviews of the security environment and workforce management strategies are expected to be conducted periodically by the interior ministry as the extended deadline approaches.