According to sources, the five were seen in footages of protests recorded by cameras installed at the Chief Minister's House and Governor's House.

The provincial police chief had ordered a departmental inquiry against around 300 officials of the Balochistan Constabulary, Special Branch and Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF).

The departmental inquiry proved the involvement of the five Special Branch officials and found them guilty of violating the professional discipline, Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani told Dawn. He said the dismissal orders were issued on Tuesday.

Police had arrested over 20 personnel, including an officer, for instigating police protests for an increase in salary on Jan 25. “Investigation against these policemen is in progress,” the home secretary said, adding that they might face criminal cases.

The sources said that 259 police personnel were suspended after they had been identified in footages of the protests recorded by CCTV cameras and a departmental inquiry was under way against them.

Police sources said that those found involved in violence during the protests and attacks on the Chief Minister's House and Governor's House would face legal action.

Balochistan police chief Syed Javed Shah Bukhari has held 'darbars' in all sections of the police headquarters in Quetta and assured the personnel that the government was trying to increase their salary. At the same time, he expressed displeasure over the violent protests which he termed a 'mini-mutiny'.

Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has increased to Rs2 million, from Rs500,000, the compensation for the heir of police personnel killed in terrorist attacks while on duty.

Some police personnel had said they would not perform duty on Chehlum if an official announcement was not made about a raise. But they retracted and reported for duty after disciplinary action was taken against personnel involved in violence.

After the violent protests, the provincial government had acted against the Quetta city police chief, the deputy inspector general of operation, the commandant of the Balochistan Constabulary and the ATF commander and made them officers on special duty.

Meanwhile, Quetta's anti-terrorism court No.1 granted remand of 20 detained police officials for six days.

They were presented before judge Najibullah Khan on Tuesday who accepted the remand request made by the investigation officer.

The court had granted eight-day remand of 12 police officials on Feb 1 and the other eight personnel were arrested later.