The position of Assistant Superintendent Jail (ASJ) in Pakistan is a well-respected and secure government job falling under Basic Pay Scale 16 (BPS-16). It comes with not only a competitive salary but also a comprehensive package of allowances, job security, and promotion opportunities. This role is offered through the Punjab Prisons Department, with recruitments often made by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at the Assistant Superintendent Jail salary structure in Punjab, Kpk, Sindh police departments in Pakistan, including the starting pay, maximum salary, annual increment, and additional benefits and allowances.
Basic Pay Scale of Assistant Superintendent Jail in Punjab, Pakistan (BPS-16)
The Basic Pay Scale (BPS) system is used throughout Pakistan’s public sector to determine employee salaries. BPS-16 is considered a mid-level officer rank and is typically assigned to posts requiring at least a bachelor’s degree (16 years of education). Assistant Superintendent Jail is one such post.
BPS-16 Pay Structure (As of Latest Revision):
- Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 28,070/month
- Maximum Basic Pay: Rs. 95,870/month
- Annual Increment: Rs. 2,260 (Applied in December each year)
These figures only represent the basic pay. The actual take-home salary is significantly higher due to the inclusion of various allowances, which vary based on posting location, department, and provincial policies.
Salary Components of Assistant Superintendent Jail
1. Basic Pay
This is the fixed amount set by the government according to BPS. As mentioned:
- New appointees start with Rs. 28,070.
- This amount gradually increases with each year of service through the annual increment.
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Government officers are entitled to house rent allowance if they are not provided with official residence.
- Major Cities (e.g., Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan): ~Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 12,000
- Smaller Towns or Rural Areas: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000
If official housing is provided, HRA is not paid.
3. Conveyance Allowance
- Standard amount: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 per month
- May vary if transport facility is provided
4. Medical Allowance
For BPS-16 employees:
- Approximate: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 medical allowance per month
- In some cases, reimbursement for medical expenses in government hospitals is also offered.
5. Adhoc Relief Allowances
Every year or two, the federal and provincial governments announce ad hoc relief allowances to compensate for inflation.
- Over time, these allowances may add Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 to the gross salary.
6. Special Prison Duty Allowance (If Applicable)
Some prison staff members may receive a special duty allowance, especially in high-risk or remote jails.
- This may vary from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month.
Estimated Monthly Take-Home Salary
Newly appointed as an assistant superintendent of jail:
| Component | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 28,070 |
| House Rent Allowance | 8,000 (approx.) |
| Conveyance Allowance | 5,000 |
| Medical Allowance | 1,500 |
| Adhoc Relief Allowances | 10,000 (average) |
| Big Cities Allowances | 7,000 |
| Special Duty/Other Allowances | 3,000 |
| Total Gross Salary | 62,570 |
Note: This is an approximate estimate. The actual figure may vary depending on location, government budget decisions, and personal circumstances.
Annual Increment and Salary Growth
- Every December, an amount of Rs. 2,260 is added to the basic pay.
- The pay continues to grow every year until it reaches the maximum basic of Rs. 95,870.
In addition to increments, if the government announces a pay scale revision (usually every 3 to 5 years), all salaries are upgraded accordingly.
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Upon retirement, an assistant superintendent jail becomes eligible for:
- Monthly Pension
- Gratuity (Lump Sum)
- Leave Encashment
- General Provident Fund (GPF)
- Benevolent Fund Support (in some cases)
This ensures financial stability even after service.
Promotions and Career Progression
An assistant superintendent of a Jail can progress to:
- Deputy Superintendent Jail (BS-17)
- Superintendent Jail (BS-18)
- Deputy Inspector General Prisons (BS-20)—through departmental promotions and exams
With each promotion, not only does the salary increase, but the status and responsibilities also grow.
Young Assistant Superintendent of Jail in Uniform
Assistant Superintendent of Jail in full official uniform, exuding discipline and confidence. The officer’s rank is symbolized by two silver stars on the shoulder epaulettes of a dark navy-blue shirt. A beret with the jail department insignia, a name tag, and an official department badge on the arm complete the formal look. The attire reflects the dignity and responsibility associated with the position.
Additional Benefits
- Job Security: Government jobs in Pakistan are considered extremely stable.
- Official Residence (Subject to Availability): In many districts, government quarters or hostel accommodation is available.
- Medical Treatment in Government Hospitals
- Annual and Casual Leave
- Advance/Loan Facility from GPF
- Training and Development Programs
FAQs: Roles, Ranks, and Salaries in the Punjab Prison Department
How much do jail police earn in Punjab, and what are the salary ranges?
Jail Police salaries in Punjab differ by designation and grade. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Jail Warder (BPS-07): PKR 40,000–55,000
- Assistant Superintendent (BPS-16): PKR 70,000–90,000
- Superintendent of Jail (BPS-18/19): PKR 120,000–160,000
These figures include basic pay, house rent, risk, and other allowances.
What is the rank and responsibility of a superintendent of jail in Punjab?
A superintendent of Jail is a senior-level officer holding BPS-18 or BPS-19, depending on the jail category. Their duties include:
- Overseeing prison operations and security
- Implementing rehabilitation and correctional programs
- Reporting to the Inspector General of Prisons
They hold the top executive authority within a prison facility.
What is the salary of a jail warder in Punjab?
A jail warder, appointed in BPS-07, typically earns PKR 40,000 to 55,000 per month. The exact amount may vary based on:
- Years of service
- Duty location (urban vs. rural)
- Allowances such as risk and night duty pay
Conclusion
The post of Assistant Superintendent Jail (BPS-16) offers a respectable salary package, especially when all allowances are taken into account. With a starting salary of around Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 and significant growth potential over the years, it is one of the most sought-after law enforcement roles in Punjab’s government structure.
Add to this the benefits of pension, promotions, and job security, and it’s easy to see why many graduates apply for this position every year through the PPSC.