Talal Chaudhry Opposes Proposed KP Police Law, Warns Against Weakening Command Structure

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has criticised the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026, saying the command and control structure of a police force fighting terrorism cannot be weakened through legislation.

Speaking at a news conference, Chaudhry said any provincial legislation concerning the police should remain consistent with the Constitution, federal laws and the rules governing the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP).

His remarks came after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet approved a revised draft of the proposed Police Act 2026, which would give the provincial government a greater role in police policy and in the appointment and transfer of senior officers. The draft is now to be presented before the provincial assembly for further legislative proceedings.

Talal Chaudhry Raises Concerns Over Police Command

Chaudhry said the KP Police was fighting terrorism and that police personnel were continuing to lose their lives in the line of duty.

He said the command structure of such a force could not be dismantled or substantially altered through legislation.

According to the minister, the proposed law would affect not only the powers of the inspector general of police but also the wider chain of command within the department.

He said powers relating to the posting of BPS-17 DSPs, known as sub-divisional police officers, had also been affected under the proposed framework. He further said some powers concerning appointments in the BPS-17 to BPS-19 range had been shifted from senior police officers.

Concern Over Political Influence

Chaudhry questioned whether police discipline and morale could be maintained if officers began looking toward political figures rather than their established senior command structure when making decisions.

He said the chief minister already had certain powers relating to police postings and appointments, but maintained that these powers were limited and did not, in his view, undermine the overall command structure.

The minister also argued that recruitment, training and promotions in the police had not previously been placed under the complete control of political leadership.

KP Government Defends Proposed Reforms

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has presented the proposed Police Act 2026 as an institutional reform aimed at restructuring police administration and accountability.

Under the draft approved by the provincial cabinet, the provincial police officer would exercise operational, financial and administrative powers subject to policy decisions and directions from the provincial government or chief minister. The draft also proposes greater government involvement in the posting and transfer of regional and district police officers.

The proposed framework would establish separate Police Policy and Police Operations Boards, with the chief minister heading the policy board and the provincial police officer heading the operations board.

The provincial cabinet approved the revised draft on September 23 after considering recommendations from a subcommittee that consulted police authorities. The bill is expected to go before the KP Assembly for further legislative proceedings.

Debate Over Police Independence

Chaudhary argued that any restructuring of the police must preserve a clear professional chain of command, particularly because the KP Police remains involved in counterterrorism operations.

He questioned how effectively a force engaged in fighting terrorism could perform its responsibilities if its command and control system were weakened.

The debate comes as the federal government and the KP administration hold different positions over the proposed changes, with the federal side raising concerns about political influence while the provincial government describes the legislation as an effort to reform police administration and accountability.