Summary:
The federal government issued a presidential ordinance to convert the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a Federal Constabulary, armed with nationwide jurisdiction and expanded duties—from tribal border security to managing internal unrest and counter‑terrorism. Once confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal frontier regions, this revamped force is now authorised to operate across all provinces, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit‑Baltistan
Key Facts:
Legislative change: Amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act 1915 were approved by the federal cabinet and enacted via presidential ordinance.
Command structure: Officers from the Police Service of Pakistan will lead the force, which will now recruit nationwide.
Mandate: Beyond its traditional frontier roles, the Federal Constabulary is tasked with crowd control, internal security, and VVIP protection—even during civil unrest
Legal & Policy Implications:
Federalism and Oversight
Critics warn the force bypasses parliamentary scrutiny, centralising power in the executive and raising questions under Pakistan’s federal structure.
Potential for Political Suppression
Human rights organisations and PTI allege the force could be used to suppress upcoming PTI-led protests marking the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
Role Creep Monitoring
Observers emphasise the need for a clear legal framework defining when the force is deployed and safeguards against misuse—especially given its bridging role between civilian law enforcement and military functions
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