PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s proposed KP Police Act 2026 has triggered debate over major changes to the province’s police command, policymaking, appointments, transfers, recruitment and administrative structure.
The proposed legislation would expand the role of the provincial government and the chief minister in several areas of police administration.
According to the sources, senior police officers have reportedly expressed reservations, saying the proposed changes could affect the professional autonomy and authority of the police command. Sources added that several senior officers are considering leaving the province, in case the proposed act gives additional powers to the Chief Minister and reduces the powers of the IGP.
Appointment of IG Police
One of the most significant changes concerns the appointment of the Provincial Police Officer (PPO)/ Inspector General of Police.
The appointment process of the PPO has been completely reversed with the intent to reduce the federal government’s role, which has historically and constitutionally been central to the federation.
Under the proposed Act, the federal government would forward a panel of three eligible officers to the provincial government, which would then select one of them for appointment. “If the provincial government is not satisfied with the available names, reports indicate that it could seek additional names from the federal government.”
The provincial government will issue a notification for the appointment of the IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Act proposed.
In addition, it proposes sweeping powers to the provincial government, under which a PPO can be removed, and Additional IG Headquarters will be given the acting charge till the decision on posting of a regular incumbent takes place.
Moreover, Sections 13(e) and 18 propose that the provincial Finance Department shall be consulted in financial and procurement matters. All procurement/financial allocations are already strictly followed under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Act, 2012.
Senior postings and transfers
The proposed law also changes the procedure for appointments, postings and transfers of senior police officers.
According to the draft Act, the chief minister would approve the posting and transfer of senior officers of Grade 18 and above, including SPs, SSPs, Additional IGs, Regional Police Officers and District Police Officers.
Transfers of officers at other ranks would also be dealt with through the provincial government’s administrative structure.
The critics have said that the increasing role of the political government in high police postings is likely to affect the internal command, administrative continuity, merit and professional autonomy of the police.
Control over the Police Policy Board
The law proposes to place the overall supervision and policy-making authority of the police largely with the provincial government.
Under the proposed Bill, the Police Policy Board (PPB) has been brought under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
“The Administration of Police in the Province shall vest in the Provincial Police Officer, who shall exercise such operational, financial and administrative powers subject to policy given by the Police Policy Board and directions issued by Government or the Chief Minister,” Section 10 of the Act states.
Under the proposed framework, the board would have a role in police policy, planning and other administrative matters. The composition of the board would include senior government officials and police officers.
The most striking highlight of the proposed bill is the formulation and issuance of Standing Orders, which has always been the prerogative of the PPO, who has the requisite experience to issue the same. This again is an example of an attempt to usurp the powers of the PPO and exercise undue control in the functioning of the Provincial Police.
Direct recruitment at DSP level
Section 26 of the proposed law includes 25% direct recruitment at the DSP level. It has enhanced the quota for fresh recruitment of DSPs from 5% to 40%.
The critics said that if there is no transparent, clear, and non-political mechanism for direct recruitment, it can have serious implications for the police service structure, merit, promotion opportunities, and morale of the force.
After a few years, the same politically connected people will be SPs and SSPs in the entire province, they said.
Change in Dispute Resolution Councils
The draft bill proposes to change the system of the existing Dispute Resolution Councils, DRCs, and increase the role of the government in the appointment of their members.
DRCs have been working for dispute resolution at the local level since 2015 and claim to have resolved about 85,000 cases and disputes through them. This system has played a role in resolving minor disputes outside the courts, reducing the judicial burden and maintaining social harmony at the local level, critics said.
In addition, the proposed Public Safety Commission (PSC) and other oversight bodies propose a significant increase in the role of government and political officials. The government will also nominate seven independent members of the Provincial Public Safety Commission.
Provisions relating to certain offences and their punishments under Chapter X (sections 102 to 117) of the existing Act have been deleted, again with the sole purpose of diluting the powers of the police in the field, e.g., causing obstruction in the street, prohibition of disorder, regulations of assemblies and processions etc., unauthorized use of police uniforms, and similar provisions.
