The federal government has decided to transform the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a nationwide federal force with expanded jurisdiction across the country. The restructured force will be known as the Federal Constabulary, and the decision marks a pivotal reform in Pakistan’s security landscape, aiming to improve law enforcement, public order, and coordination among provinces.
The Federal Constabulary will operate across all four provinces, as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This development reflects the government’s effort to create a unified federal security force capable of responding swiftly to crises across the nation.
To implement the transition, the government will introduce an ordinance to amend the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915, which currently restricts the force’s operations to specific provincial borders. Once approved by the federal cabinet, the ordinance will grant the Federal Constabulary legal jurisdiction nationwide, formalizing its expanded mandate.
This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize Pakistan’s internal security structure and ensure that law enforcement agencies are capable of addressing terrorism, violent extremism, civil unrest, and cross-provincial threats with a coordinated federal response.
In line with its elevated status and expanded role, the Federal Constabulary will be commanded by officers from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP). This decision is designed to standardize professional policing practices, ensuring that the new force operates under the same discipline, training standards, and accountability mechanisms as other elite police forces in the country.
Sources familiar with the restructuring plan said the appointment of PSP officers is also expected to bridge the operational gap between the provinces and the federal government in dealing with public order incidents, riots, and high-risk operations.
The transformation of FC into the Federal Constabulary is aimed at strengthening internal security, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring swift deployment in response to emergencies, especially in sensitive zones or during large-scale public demonstrations.
Previously, the Frontier Constabulary served primarily as a paramilitary force tasked with securing the borders between provinces and tribal areas, supporting provincial police forces, and assisting civil administration. However, the evolving security dynamics—particularly in urban areas—have necessitated a more centralized and agile force with legal authority to operate nationwide.
In a related development focused on crowd control and public safety, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently launched Pakistan’s first dedicated Riot Management Police Force. This specialized unit was formed under the Punjab Police framework and is equipped with modern anti-riot gear, surveillance technology, and rapid deployment units.
The Riot Management Police Force is tasked with:
- Protecting life and property
- Preventing vandalism and looting during protests
- Safeguarding government infrastructure
- Ensuring peaceful public gatherings
This move is being seen as a model for other provinces, especially in light of increasing incidents of civil unrest and political protests in recent years. The Punjab government’s investment in riot control measures demonstrates a shift toward proactive policing and improved public engagement during high-tension events.
The establishment of a Federal Constabulary could have wide-ranging implications for law enforcement coordination, particularly in regions with overlapping federal and provincial jurisdiction. It may help:
- Reduce inter-agency friction in times of crisis
- Ensure uniform training and response protocols
- Allow centralized intelligence sharing
- Facilitate joint operations between police, rangers, and military units
Security analysts believe this reform can play a crucial role in combating terrorism, managing sectarian violence, and improving overall domestic stability, especially in volatile or under-policed areas.
However, some legal experts warn that the centralization of policing powers may lead to constitutional challenges if not properly coordinated with provincial governments. The 18th Amendment of Pakistan’s Constitution grants significant autonomy to provinces in internal security matters, and any central force would need provincial cooperation to be truly effective.
The federal government will likely engage in dialogue with provincial administrations to align objectives and clarify roles, avoiding overlap or jurisdictional confusion between Federal Constabulary units and provincial police forces.
