Latest news with #FrontierConstabulary
Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan's new federal force sparks fears of political repression ahead of Khan party protests
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's transformation of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) border paramilitary force into a federal force ahead of planned protests by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party this week sparked fears of political repression in the country, with opposition members and analysts saying the new nationwide force could be used as a 'tool to suppress political opponents.' Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari allowed the government to turn Frontier Constabulary into the national security force, called Federal Constabulary, through an ordinance on Monday in order to support law enforcement agencies and to address evolving security challenges across the South Asian country. The paramilitary force was initially formed to uphold law and order in border and frontier regions, according to the ordinance. However, the evolving conditions, marked by frequent emergencies, natural disasters, civil disturbances and other emerging risks, created the need for a more flexible and capable force to effectively respond to these challenges. The move has raised concerns among opposition parties, particularly Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which fears that the new force could be used as a means of political repression amid its 90-day anti-government protest movement, announced on July 13. 'From the looks of it, it's a safe assumption that such laws are being inflicted, just ahead of political movement announced by PTI, as a tool to suppress political opponents,' Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, a close Khan aide, told Arab News. Pakistan ranks as the second-most affected country by militancy, according to The Global Terrorism Index 2025. Militancy-related deaths surged by 45 percent, rising from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024, marking one of the steepest global increases. The attacks in Pakistan more than doubled, from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. The new duties of the Federal Constabulary, whose cadres were previously recruited only from tribes in the northwestern KP province, will include internal security, riot control and counter-terrorism. The government's move to transform the force came ahead of planned protests by Khan's PTI on Aug. 5, the second anniversary of his arrest. Several such protests by the party since Khan's brief arrest in May 2023 have turned violent, in some cases paralyzing the capital Islamabad for days. In the near future, PTI's Bukhari said, it would be clear if the law was being introduced to, in fact, address security challenges or to stop any political movement that could endanger the existence of the 'current, so-called democracy.' '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 a large number of the PTI leadership and supporters,' he added. Khan's party has been protesting to secure to secure his release and an audit of the Fed. 2024 general election, which it says was rigged to benefit its opponents. Pakistan's election authorities deny the allegation, while the government accuses Khan's party of attempting to disrupt its efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth through violent protests. Ali Imtiaz Warraich, the PTI parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly, said 'crushing the public mandate' would never result in stability of the country. 'Federal and Punjab governments' only focus is PTI and all actions taken are only PTI-centered,' he told Arab News, adding that it had not worked in past, nor would it work in future. However, Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the Federal Constabulary should not be mistaken for a federal police force. 'It will continue to function as a constabulary as the restructuring and renaming are solely aimed at strengthening internal and national security,' he said this week, adding the overhaul was institutionally essential to enhance coordination, improve compensation and build operational capacity of the force throughout all provinces and territories. 'This is entirely a defense-oriented initiative intended to reinforce national security by supporting law enforcement agencies,' he added. Chaudhry stated the restructuring was also an administrative necessity as despite its significant contributions, the force had long been overlooked and continued to function with limited salaries and benefits compared to other security forces in Pakistan. 'Its transformation into a federal force is to eliminate existing disparities by upgrading its structure and scope under the new title,' he said, adding the reorganization was aimed at ensuring that FC personnel receive salaries, training and benefits at par with other national security forces. Under the new federal framework, FC's jurisdiction would extend across all four provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, according to the minister. 'While continuing to perform its duties under this redefined structure, the Federal Constabulary will build on its longstanding role in combating drug trafficking and smuggling and in assisting civil law enforcement during sensitive occasions such as Muharram, general elections and anti-polio campaigns,' he said. Arab News spoke to some analysts about the government's move, who voiced concerns about the timing, intent and potential misuse of the new force. 'There is always a risk of such a force being misused in Pakistan,' Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), told Arab News. 'The Frontier Constabulary was already under federal control, so it's unclear why this transformation was necessary, especially at a time when the country's major opposition party has announced a protest movement.' Ather Kazmi, an analyst and political commentator, said the urgency with which the revamp was carried out through an ordinance had raised many eyebrows. 'Although the government claimed it was an administrative necessity, its timing and urgency have led PTI and others to believe it has political purposes,' he told Arab News. Kazmi said it remained to be seen how the new force would operate after its jurisdiction was extended nationwide, given that law and order became a provincial subject after the 18th amendment of the Constitution of Pakistan. 'It would not be easy for the government to deploy this force in provinces governed by the opposition, such as KP,' he noted.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Frontier Constabulary renamed Federal Constabulary to boost internal security: Talal Chaudhary
Listen to article Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary announced on Monday that the Frontier Constabulary (FC) is being restructured and renamed as the Federal Constabulary to enhance Pakistan's internal and national security. Speaking at a press conference alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, he clarified that the revamping of the FC is not politically motivated but an institutional necessity. Chaudhary emphasised that the restructuring is solely a defence-related initiative designed to strengthen national security by providing enhanced support to law enforcement agencies. 'For nearly a century, the FC has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order within the country and along its borders. Yet, it has not been given recognition or benefits comparable to other security forces,' he said. Despite limited salaries and fewer privileges, FC personnel have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, he noted. 'Now, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the government has decided to transform the FC into a federal force, addressing long-standing disparities with an upgraded structure and expanded scope.' The minister clarified that while the name will change, the core function and identity of the force as a constabulary will remain intact. The restructuring will ensure that FC personnel receive salaries, training, and benefits on par with other national security forces. Chaudhary highlighted the FC's long-standing role in combating drug trafficking, smuggling, and assisting civil law enforcement during key national events, including Muharram, elections, and anti-polio campaigns. He confirmed that these duties would continue under the new federal framework. As part of the reforms, the jurisdiction of the Federal Constabulary will be expanded to cover all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Recruitment will be open to all Pakistani citizens, and the federal government will assume full operational and financial responsibility, relieving provinces of any budgetary burden. The revamp will also include updated training modules, capacity-building initiatives, and a modernised command structure aimed at improving morale and operational effectiveness. FC Commandant Gara provided historical context, noting that the FC was originally established in 1913 as the North-West Frontier Constabulary, under a law now over a century old. 'Recognising the need for reform, the force will now be realigned into a stronger, federally managed institution with clearly defined command tiers—platoons, companies, and wings,' he said. He added that out of 41 total wings, 36 are currently deployed under the security division. The new structure aims to streamline these units for better efficiency. Commandant Gara also honoured the sacrifice of FC personnel, revealing that 423 members have laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the reorganisation would honour these sacrifices through better command systems, improved facilities, and clearer career paths. Both Chaudhary and Gara urged the public, media, and stakeholders to carefully review the new ordinance governing the Federal Constabulary to avoid misconceptions. 'This transformation represents a strategic and institutional reform that will enhance the operational capability of one of the country's oldest law enforcement bodies,' they concluded.
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First Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Why Pakistan wants to use its border force inside the country. Think VIPs
Pakistan has transformed the paramilitary force, Frontier Constabulary (FC), into the Federal Constabulary, which can operate across all provinces and territories. On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated an ordinance authorising the federal government to upgrade the force. But what's behind the move? read more Pakistan has converted its paramilitary force, Frontier Constabulary (FC), into a 'nationwide federal force'. The country's president reportedly promulgated an ordinance on Sunday (July 13), allowing the federal government to upgrade the force, which can now operate in all provinces and territories. The Frontier Constabulary has been renamed the Federal Constabulary. The force will be responsible for maintaining law and order, supplementing the law enforcement agencies and meeting the diverse security needs of the South Asian country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. What was Frontier Constabulary? The Frontier Constabulary (FC) comes under the Pakistan government, which can deploy it to any part of the country for 'better protection and administration of those areas'. The border security force was governed by the Frontier Constabulary Act, 1915 and the North-West Frontier Constabulary Rules, 1958. A former Pakistani interior secretary told Dawn that the Frontier Constabulary was first deployed in Karachi about 25 years ago. Later, the paramilitary force was sent to Islamabad and then Gilgit-Baltistan to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and major dam projects. Last June, Pakistan briefly deployed the Frontier Constabulary in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after it was rocked by protests. Pakistani Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel escort the Shiite Muslim march in the Ashura procession in Quetta on October 12, 2016. File Photo/AFP As per its website, FC guarded the border between the settled areas of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and its tribal areas against incursions and criminal gangs operating from across the border. The FC has been operating in all provinces of Pakistan except Punjab. However, several of its platoons have been used for the security of sensitive installations and VVIPs in Punjab, reported The Express Tribune. Pakistan revamps Frontier Constabulary Pakistan's Law and Justice Division issued an official notification on Sunday after President Asif Ali Zardari promulgated the ordinance to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary. 'As the Senate and the National Assembly are not in session and the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action,' the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organization) Ordinance, 2025, read. The Federal Constabulary will be used as a reserve force and tasked with specialised duties to help the Islamabad Capital Territory Police, provincial police forces, and other security and law enforcement forces and agencies. The former interior secretary told the Pakistani newspaper that the ordinance has empowered the federal government to deploy the Federal Constabulary across the country for any purpose, citing security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per the ordinance, the FC will be headed by an inspector general who will be appointed by the Pakistan government. It will comprise two divisions – the Security Division and the Federal Reserve Division. The Security Division will include the current strength of the Frontier Constabulary and personnel appointed through the traditional system. The FC's Federal Reserve Division will be dedicated to anti-riot and special protection. The ordinance also moved all powers and assets of the Frontier Constabulary to the Federal Constabulary. It said, 'Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force all members and employees of the Frontier Constabulary serving in the defunct Frontier Constabulary immediately before the commencement of this ordinance, immediately after the commencement of this ordinance shall stands transferred to the Federal Constabulary reconstituted under this ordinance on same terms and conditions as applicable to them before commencement of this ordinance.' The deployment of the Frontier Constabulary for VIP security often drew criticism. Now, the revamped force can be freely used for the personal security of the elite under the excuse of protecting the 'escort', noted Dawn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan state broadcaster PTV previously reported that the FC will be deployed across all provinces, Islamabad, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Candidates from across the country will be able to apply for the FC. Earlier, only youth from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were recruited, as per Samaa TV. Why Pakistan has revised FC's role Pakistan's move comes amid growing security challenges, especially in the wake of a rise in militant attacks in KP and Balochistan provinces, bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The ordinance cited 'changing dynamics of national security, the increasing frequency of emergencies, natural disasters, civil unrest, and other emerging threats' to revamp FC, as per the Dawn report. Security experts perceive it as a part of broader efforts to centralise and ramp up Pakistan's internal security infrastructure, PTV reported. Pakistan has reported a surge in militant attacks in KP since a truce between Pakistan and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) collapsed in November 2022. Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led Afghan government of not taking action against TTP militants, which it claims operate from Afghanistan. Kabul has denied the charge. With inputs from agencies
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan ‘decides' to convert Frontier Constabulary into federal force to enchance security countrywide
The federal government has decided to convert the Frontier Constabulary into a countrywide federal force, Radio Pakistan reported citing sources. According to the sources, the force will be renamed as the Federal Constabulary and it will be empowered to operate in all four provinces, as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Officers of the Police Service of Pakistan will command the Federal Constabulary under the reorganisation framework, they said. The sources said the establishment of the Federal Constabulary will provide substantial support in ensuring internal security and public order in the country. State-owned TV network, PTV has quoted sources as saying that this transformation will be formalised through amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915, which are expected to receive approval from the federal cabinet. Following the cabinet's endorsement, a presidential ordinance will be issued to extend the jurisdiction of the FC across the entire country, they said. As part of the reorganisation, recruitment for the new Federal Constabulary will be carried out nationwide, with offices established across the country, said PTV, adding security experts view this step as part of broader efforts to centralise and enhance Pakistan's internal security infrastructure. The establishment of the Federal Constabulary is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and strengthening national peace and security mechanisms, the state-owned broadcaster said.
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Govt decides to convert Frontier Constabulary into centralised security force
The federal government has decided to convert the Frontier Constabulary into a countrywide federal force, Radio Pakistan reported citing sources. According to the sources, the force will be renamed as the Federal Constabulary and it will be empowered to operate in all four provinces, as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Officers of the Police Service of Pakistan will command the Federal Constabulary under the reorganisation framework, they said. The sources said the establishment of the Federal Constabulary will provide substantial support in ensuring internal security and public order in the country. State-owned TV network, PTV has quoted sources as saying that this transformation will be formalised through amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915, which are expected to receive approval from the federal cabinet. Following the cabinet's endorsement, a presidential ordinance will be issued to extend the jurisdiction of the FC across the entire country, they said. As part of the reorganisation, recruitment for the new Federal Constabulary will be carried out nationwide, with offices established across the country, said PTV, adding security experts view this step as part of broader efforts to centralise and enhance Pakistan's internal security infrastructure. The establishment of the Federal Constabulary is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and strengthening national peace and security mechanisms, the state-owned broadcaster said.
