For the first time in its history, the Islamabad Capital Police is overhauling how it recruits, moving to a cadre-based system that locks officers into specialized divisions rather than allowing transfers. The shift accompanies a massive expansion: over 8,000 new posts have been approved, representing a 69% increase in the force's sanctioned strength. Main Developments Approval has been granted for 8,046 new positions across multiple police divisions, with recruitment proceeding in five phases. The first phase is already underway, focusing on 1,725 constables and assistant sub-inspectors for Operations, Logistics, and Security divisions. Subsequent phases will target specialized units. The Special Protection Unit (SPU), tasked with guarding Chinese nationals and foreign workers, will receive 2,367 personnel. The Law and Order Division will gain 1,624, the Capital Patrol (formerly the Dolphin Squad) 790, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) 775. The Islamabad Traffic Police will fill remaining posts. Read also: Pakistan Ranks Fifth Globally in Viral Hepatitis Burden Background Prior to this expansion, the capital police had a sanctioned strength of 11,654 officers and officials, with 9,754 currently in service—a significant shortfall. The Operations Division, for example, had 2,783 authorized posts but only 3,206 personnel (some units were overstaffed, others understaffed). The CTD was particularly strained, with just 341 personnel against a sanctioned strength of 931. The new recruitment will be cadre-based, meaning personnel will remain in their assigned division until retirement or reaching a prescribed age limit. This marks a departure from the previous system where transfers between units were common. An age limit has also been set for field duties in the CTD, Law and Order Division, and Capital Patrol to ensure these units maintain young, energetic staff. Why It Matters The 69% increase in manpower directly addresses chronic understaffing that has hampered law enforcement in the capital. The cadre-based hiring ensures specialized expertise in counterterrorism, VIP protection, and traffic management cannot be diluted by transfers. For Chinese nationals and other foreigners working on national projects, the SPU expansion provides dedicated security—a priority given Pakistan's economic reliance on such partnerships. The move also signals a strategic shift toward professionalization. By fixing age limits for field roles and locking officers into specific cadres, the police aim to build long-term institutional expertise rather than rotating generalists through posts. What's Next Recruitment for the first phase—1,725 constables and assistant sub-inspectors—is already in progress. The remaining four phases will roll out sequentially, with specific numbers allocated: 2,367 for the SPU, 1,624 for Law and Order, 790 for Capital Patrol, and 775 for the CTD. Officials confirmed that all future hiring will follow the cadre-based model. The police spokesman stated that recruitment has begun following government approval.