July 15, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
The federal government has converted the Frontier Constabulary (FC) int a nationwide Federal Constabulary, following the issuance of the ‘Frontier Constabulary Reorganization Ordinance 2025’. The Ordinance will grant extended powers and a new mandate under a restructured legal framework.
The President of Pakistan signed the ordinance, which amends the FC Act of 1915. The Federal Constabulary will now operate across all four provinces, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the ordinance, the force will function as a federal security force responsible for riot control, internal security, counterterrorism, and public safety. It will not be considered a federal police force.
“This is not a federal police,” clarified Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. “The ordinance has been crafted keeping the constitutional framework in mind. The Federal Constabulary will only operate within the legal bounds defined by the Constitution.”
The Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Constabulary will be appointed by the federal government. The force’s command structure will be led by Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officers, and two new divisions will be created, one Security Division second Federal Reserve Division.
Each division will be led by a Wing Commander with the rank equivalent to Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Recruitment offices will be established across the country, and the government will have the authority to raise a Federal Reserve Force for law and order whenever needed.
The Federal Constabulary will also have powers under the Criminal Procedure Code, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Police Order 2002, enabling it to register FIRs and arrest individuals. Critics say this dramatically expands its legal authority.
Criticism
Lawyer Shabbir Gigyani criticized the move, arguing it undermines provincial autonomy and the 18th Amendment. He warned the force could be misused for political purposes.
HRCP member and senior Balochistan lawyer Tahir Hussain expressed concern that giving the FC powers under anti-terrorism laws allows it to detain suspects for up to 90 days without remand.
Former FC commandant Afzal Shigri noted the original purpose of the FC was to protect tribal-settled boundaries in KP, with local tribal recruits. Now, it will become a national reserve force, open to recruits from all over Pakistan.