Federal minister warns KP police law overhaul could cripple command hierarchy
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's draft law to replace the 2017 police act would undermine the police command structure and hamper counter-terrorism efforts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial cabinet passed a draft law intended to replace the KP Police Act of 2017, curbing the inspector general's powers by making key decisions subject to the chief minister's approval. Federal Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry criticised the move, saying it violates the constitutional framework and the Police Service of Pakistan's regulations, and would dismantle the existing command hierarchy essential for fighting terrorism.
He highlighted that the bill would also remove deputy inspectors general's authority to appoint senior officers and concentrate control in the chief minister's hands. Chaudhry questioned the timing of the proposal amid heightened terrorist activity and noted chronic resource shortfalls for the KP police. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi warned that the legislation would turn the police into a political tool and vowed to reject it if it reaches his desk. Both officials indicated the law is likely to face legal challenges and could be taken up by the federal government if provincial approval proceeds.
Why it matters
The proposed law could reshape police authority in a volatile region, affecting security and governance.
In this story
