Minister denies politics inFC revamp
He was addressing a news conference at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday. FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara was also present.
The minister's statement came a day after President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated an ordinance empowering the federal government to transform the FC, a border security force, into the Federal Constabulary to maintain law and order, supplement the law enforcement agencies, and address the diverse security needs in a coordinated manner.
"This will be a new force. This will be a stronger force.
We need this force for internal security," Chaudhry said, adding that the president had already approved amendments in the law introducing changes in the paramilitary force.
The decision to revamp FC prompts concern among opposition parties and human rights groups that it could be used as a tool of political repression.
The minister; however, said that revamping of FC is not a politically-motivated decision but it is an institutional necessity to improve coordination, compensation and capability of this force across all provinces and territories of Pakistan.
It is purely a defence-related issue to strengthen national defence by providing support to the law enforcement agencies, he added.
He said that the FC had played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security within the country and along its borders for nearly a century, yet this force has not been accorded the recognition and benefits comparable to other security forces in Pakistan.
He lamented that despite limited salaries and fewer privileges, FC personnel have consistently served the nation with unwavering dedication.
"Now Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have decided to transform FC into a federal force to address the disparity with upgraded structure and scope under the new name of Federal Constabulary," he added.
He clarified that while the name is being changed, the identity and core function of the FC as a constabulary remain intact. The restructuring would help ensure that its personnel receive salaries, training and benefits equal to those of other national security forces, he added.
He said that the FC has long involvement in combating drug trafficking, smuggling and supporting civil law enforcement agencies during sensitive events like Muharram, elections and anti-polio campaigns. Now it would continue to carry out these responsibilities under its new federal framework, he added.
He said that with the reorganisation, the jurisdiction of Federal Constabulary would be expanded to include all four provinces as well as Gilgit/Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
He said that recruitment will be opened to all citizens from across the country and the federal government would bear all operational and financial responsibilities, relieving the provinces of any budgetary burden.
The FC revamp would include updated training modules, capacity-building initiatives and a modernized command structure designed to uplift the morale and effectiveness of its personnel, he added.
FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara provided historical context and said that the FC was established in 1913, originally known as the North-West Frontier Constabulary. It was operated under an act that is now over 100 years old.
Recognising the urgent need for reform, he said that the FC would be realigned into a more robust and federally managed institution with clearly defined command tiers including platoons, companies and wings.
He said that the FC has 41 wings and its 36 wings are currently deployed under the security division. The revamped structure would streamline these units for improving efficiency, he added.
Commandant Gara disclosed that 423 FC personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty which is a testament to the commitment and sacrifice of this force.
The reorganisation would help honor these sacrifices by providing a better command structure, improved facilities and clearer career pathways for FC members, he added.
The State Minister and FC Commandant both urged the public, media and stakeholders to carefully read the new ordinance related to the Federal Constabulary to avoid misconceptions.
This transformation is a strategic and institutional reform which would help address the internal security challenges and enhance operational capability of one of the oldest law enforcement bodies of the country, they added.
Meanwhile, the development prompted concern among opposition parties and human rights groups that it could be used as a tool of political repression.
The announcement came after the PTI said it would stage nationwide protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of party founder Imran Khan's arrest. Several such protests since his August 2023 arrest have turned violent, in some cases paralysing the capital Islamabad for days.
PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari said the changes should be subject to parliamentary discussion.
The new force "should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents, as has been previously witnessed when the government applied such laws against the PTI leadership and supporters", he said.
His concern was echoed by Haris Khalique, secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
"We are alarmed by the changes being made to the security and law enforcement structure of the country without any debate in parliament," Khalique said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Four terrorists killed in Kalat IBO
Elsewhere, the spokesperson said the FC personnel seized a local leader of the banned BLA in the Sheikhri area of Kalat. PHOTO: EXPRESS Listen to article Security forces killed four terrorists belonging to an outlawed separatist group during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Kalat district on the night between Saturday and Sunday. The operation was carried out in the Pahrod area of the district on the basis of reports regarding the presence of terrorists. According to an official statement, troops effectively took position near the hideout of the terrorists, who were neutralized after an intense exchange of fire. The forces also seized a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosive material from the hideout. A sanitization and clearance operation was underway in the area. The operation took place days after terrorists opened fire on a Karachi-bound passenger bus in Kalat, killing at least three and injuring seven others. In another attack on July 11, terrorists abducted and executed nine passengers after removing them from buses in Loralai district. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Safraz Bugti congratulated the security forces for the successful operation in separate messages. The president noted that the state is determined to eradicate terrorists at all costs with the support of the nation. "The state will continue to take action against terrorism with full force. The terrorists of Fitna-tul-Hindustan will be pursued till the end," Zardari added. Terrorists belonging to banned separatist organizations are also referred to Fitna-tul-Hindustan due to their links with India. In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the entire nation stands with the security forces in the war against terrorism. "The government is firm in its drive to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country," he added. Balochistan Chief Minister Bugti also lauded the forces' professionalism and unwavering resolve. He expressed satisfaction over the timely intelligence and rapid response that neutralized the threat. "The swift reaction to terrorist activity in Pahrod is commendable. Our security forces have once again demonstrated their readiness and resolve to protect the province," he said. Labeling the group a threat to national stability, the CM reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to decisive action against all enemies of the state. "Operations against the enemies of the state will continue on all fronts. Any attempt to sabotage the peace of Balochistan will be crushed," he asserted. Bugti described the operation as a clear message to hostile elements, declaring that the nefarious designs of Fitna-tul-Hindustan had been dismantled. "Their plans lie in ruins. Our forces have defeated their evil intentions," he remarked. He paid tribute to the personnel involved, emphasizing that their success reflects the vigilance and dedication of Pakistan's security forces. "They have once again thwarted the enemy's malicious plans and proved their unwavering commitment to national security," he added. WITH INPUT FROM APP
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
WhatsApp urged to block TTP propaganda
Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary speaks at a press conference alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara on July 14, 2025. PHOTO: APP The government has called on WhatsApp and the international community at large to take immediate action against the banned terrorist organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is using the messaging platform to spread violent propaganda. Minister of State for Interior Tallal ChaudrySenator raised the alarm in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the TTPa UN and US-designated terrorist grouphas been operating WhatsApp channels to send bulk messages promoting its extremist ideology. "Pakistan has zero tolerance for these terror groups and is offering tremendous sacrifices to ensure global peace," Chaudry said. He urged WhatsApp and the international community to cooperate in blocking these accounts and developing algorithms to automatically detect and suspend such handles.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
An unnecessary overreach
EDITORIAL: In a move signaling urgency, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday promulgated an ordinance granting the federal government the authority to elevate the Frontier Constabulary (FC) to the status of a federal force. The FC, which has long been deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP's) former tribal areas and the troubled border regions of Balochistan – regions plagued by insurgencies, terrorism, and tribal conflicts – has already functioned as a federal paramilitary force under the control of the Ministry of Interior. However, its role was largely confined to localized operations within these specific regions. What is different now is that the government has expanded the FC's jurisdiction, establishing a new Federal Reserve Force under its command with responsibilities for anti-riot and special protection duties. This new structure will be granted powers as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Police Order, and any other applicable laws. Furthermore, the ordinance empowers the federal government to confer upon any FC member the powers of a police officer, of any class or grade, as per the laws in force at the time. Ostensibly, this move is a response to growing national security concerns. However, the decision to elevate the FC to a federal force and deploy it nationwide raises questions about the underlying rationale, particularly given its potential overlap with other paramilitary forces. The Rangers, for instance, already operate in various parts of the country, particularly urban centers like Karachi, where they have played a key role in counterterrorism and controlling civil unrest. The necessity of expanding the FC's role, therefore, is questionable. Its current deployment in the border regions of Baluchistan and the tribal districts of KP is justified by the unique security challenges these regions face, such as cross-border militancy, insurgency, and ethnic tensions. These challenges do not exist in other provinces – at least not at the same level of intensity. The police are quite capable of handling civil disturbances and riots. Additionally, there already are a range of law enforcement agencies, including the Rangers, and even the military in certain situations. The involvement of army officers in the leadership of the FC's new Federal Reserve Force raises further concerns. This suggests a more militarised approach to policing, which could undermine civilian authority and exacerbate tensions between law enforcement agencies and the public. In non-conflict areas, such a heavy-handed approach would not only be unnecessary but could also lead to potential abuses of power, eroding what little trust remains between citizens and the government. Ultimately, the decision to deploy the FC across the entire country risks creating more problems than it aims to resolve. The focus should instead be on improving the efficiency of existing law enforcement agencies, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and ensuring that the right force is deployed in the right context. Overwhelming the country with multiple paramilitary forces will create challenges that may undermine the very security these forces are intended to protect. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
