Frontier Constabulary Set to Become Nationwide Federal Force

Pakistan’s federal government has decided to transform the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a nationwide Federal Constabulary, expanding its jurisdiction beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to all provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. This overhaul, requiring amendments to the 1915 Frontier Constabulary Act, aims to bolster internal security but raises concerns about oversight and resource allocation.

The FC, a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Interior (MoI), was established in 1915 to secure the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s settled districts and tribal areas. Headquartered in Peshawar and led by a Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) commandant, it currently tackles tribal incursions, smuggling, and law enforcement challenges. On July 13, 2025, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) reported the government’s plan to rebrand the FC as the Federal Constabulary, empowering it to operate nationwide. “This transformation will enhance our security framework,” an MoI spokesperson stated, noting that the federal cabinet will soon approve the necessary ordinance.

The decision responds to rising security threats, including militancy and cross-border crime. The FC’s 30,000-strong force, drawn primarily from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has a storied history of countering insurgents, with over 345 personnel martyred, according to FC Commandant Liaqat Ali Khan in 2016. The expansion aims to leverage this expertise across Pakistan, with new recruitment offices planned nationwide. However, critics question the government’s ability to fund and equip such an ambitious restructuring, especially given past allegations of mismanagement in similar initiatives.

Skepticism also surrounds the FC’s expanded role, given its controversial history. In 2012, Pakistan’s Supreme Court linked the FC to enforced disappearances in Balochistan, raising human rights concerns. The government’s silence on addressing these issues fuels doubts about accountability. Furthermore, the force’s integration with civilian police risks overlapping mandates, potentially undermining local law enforcement autonomy. As Pakistan grapples with economic strain, the transformation’s success hinges on transparent governance and adequate resources. While the move signals a commitment to national security, it must avoid becoming another bureaucratic burden, ensuring the Federal Constabulary serves as a disciplined, effective force for all Pakistanis.