State Minister Talal Chaudhry Clarifies Federal Constabulary Not Police Force

On July 14, 2025, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, announced the restructuring of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into the Federal Constabulary, emphasizing that it is not a federal police force but a modernized entity aimed at bolstering national security. The transformation, enacted through the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organisation) Ordinance, 2025, was signed by President Asif Ali Zardari. While the move has sparked concerns about potential misuse, Chaudhry insisted it is a necessary step to address Pakistan’s evolving security challenges.

Speaking at a press conference in Faisalabad alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, Chaudhry clarified, “No one should confuse this with a federal police. The Federal Constabulary remains a constabulary,” as reported by Dawn. The new ordinance expands the FC’s jurisdiction to all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Originally established in 1913 to focus on border security, the FC’s new responsibilities now include internal security, riot control, and counter-terrorism, aligning with modern security demands.

Gara noted, “Our 423 fallen personnel deserve a force with better pay and structure,” according to Geo News, highlighting that the reform also aims to improve training, benefits, and institutional professionalism. The reorganization will create 41 wings, with 36 under the Security Division and the rest under the Federal Reserve Division. It also addresses longstanding disparities in compensation and facilities compared to other forces, such as the Pakistan Rangers.

Recruitment will now be conducted nationwide, drawing personnel from all regions and ethnicities to ensure a more inclusive and representative force. The federal government will fund the new structure to ease the financial burden on provinces. Chaudhry emphasized, “This is a defence-related move to support law enforcement, not a political tool,” responding to criticism from opposition groups, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which plans protests on August 5, as reported by Reuters.

PTI’s Zulfikar Bukhari and Haris Khalique of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticized the government for bypassing parliamentary debate, warning that the Federal Constabulary could be used for political repression, especially amid heightened political tensions.

Despite such concerns, the government maintains that the overhaul reflects a strategic focus on internal stability, with the Federal Constabulary now playing a crucial role in combating smuggling, drug trafficking, and maintaining law and order during national events, including elections. Officials stress that the changes prioritize national strength and institutional modernization over partisan interests.