Pakistan restructures Frontier Constabulary as federal force with nationwide powers

Pakistan has formally transformed the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a federal force, granting it powers to operate across the country following a presidential ordinance. The newly reorganized force will now be known as the Federal Constabulary and tasked with maintaining internal security, riot control, counter-terrorism, and protection of key installations nationwide.

The change comes after the promulgation of the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organization) Ordinance, 2025, signed by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 89 of the Constitution. A notification from the Law and Justice Division confirmed that the ordinance not only renames the force but expands its jurisdiction and reorganizes its structure to meet modern security challenges.

“No one should confuse this with a federal police. It is the Federal Constabulary. FC will remain FC,” said Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry during a press conference in Islamabad on Monday. He was speaking alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara.

Chaudhry explained that the Federal Constabulary will function as a specialized paramilitary force under the Interior Ministry, similar to the Rangers, and would not operate as a civilian police force. The restructuring is intended to strengthen the FC’s capacity to support law enforcement across Pakistan’s four provinces, as well as in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Revamped structure

Previously, the FC operated under the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915 and was headquartered in Peshawar. It was led by a senior police officer from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), usually of BS-21 rank. The force’s traditional role included maintaining law and order along the tribal regions and supporting provincial governments during unrest.

Under the reorganization, the Federal Constabulary will have two key divisions — the Security Division and the Federal Reserve Division. The Security Division will comprise the existing personnel of the Frontier Constabulary, while the Federal Reserve Division will be newly established as a multi-ethnic national force.

Recruitment for the Federal Reserve Division will reflect Pakistan’s diversity, with quotas set at 20 percent each from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan; 10 percent from Azad Jammu and Kashmir; 6 percent from Gilgit-Baltistan; and 4 percent from Islamabad Capital Territory. Recruitment offices will be established across Pakistan to support this process.

The ordinance also stipulates that the Inspector General (IG) FC will be appointed by the federal government, while commanders at the divisional level will hold ranks equivalent to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police. The force’s command structure will mirror that of other federal law enforcement agencies, with senior officers drawn from the Police Service of Pakistan.

According to Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, the newly structured FC will consist of 41 wings. Of these, 36 wings will serve under the Security Division. The Federal Reserve Division will include five Riot Support Wings and one Special Protection Wing tasked with securing key government offices and installations.

“The primary reason for this reorganization is to improve the chain of command, fulfil operational needs, boost morale, and ensure clear divisions within the FC,” Gara said.

The Federal Constabulary will operate under existing laws, including the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and the Police Order of 2002. These legal frameworks grant the force the same authority as the police in carrying out arrests, investigations, and maintaining law and order. The federal government retains the power to grant additional authorities to FC officers as required.

The ordinance also allows the Federal Constabulary to establish regional headquarters wherever needed, subject to federal approval. This measure is aimed at ensuring effective command and control where the force is deployed.

A national force?

Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said the restructuring was necessary to adapt the force to modern security requirements and to standardize its role across Pakistan’s territories. He added that while parliament is not in session during July, the ordinance was issued using presidential powers but will be brought before lawmakers for debate.

“People will be recruited from all over Pakistan for FC. New wings will be created according to the requirements of modern times,” Chaudhry said. “The structure of the Federal Constabulary is being revamped on the lines of the Rangers and police.”

Chaudhry clarified that provinces will continue to have a say in how the FC operates within their jurisdictions, including the scope of its deployment and the powers it exercises. He also emphasized the FC’s longstanding role in Pakistan’s internal security framework.

“The FC has made immense contributions and sacrifices related to security. After the formation of Pakistan, it has been the federal government’s force. It will now have a restructured, modern role in ensuring peace,” he said.

Since independence, the Frontier Constabulary has played a crucial role in securing Pakistan’s borders, assisting law enforcement, and maintaining peace during times of civil unrest. It has frequently been deployed during elections, natural disasters, and counter-terrorism operations.

The Federal Constabulary will continue to operate alongside Pakistan’s other security institutions, including the Rangers, police, Frontier Corps, and military forces, but under the direct supervision of the Interior Ministry.

The restructured force’s primary functions will include riot control, crowd management, internal security, counter-terrorism, protection of key state assets, and assistance to provincial law enforcement during emergencies. It is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s evolving security landscape, where threats from terrorism, extremism, and civil unrest remain significant.

PTI slams ‘political move’

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub criticized the government’s decision to reorganize the Frontier Constabulary, calling it a political move aimed at undermining provincial rights.

In a statement posted on social media, Ayub said,

“Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised the Federal Security Force (FSF). It was used as an instrument of terror against his opponents and to keep the provinces in check. This installed hybrid regime is now launching the renamed Federal Constabulary to target Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The hybrid regime wants to keep KP in check because there is a PTI government there and to trample upon provincial rights. The 18th Amendment will be buried for good after the Federal Constabulary is operationalized.”

Ayub alleged that the government’s real objective was to use the newly restructured force to restrict the PTI-led provincial government in KP and weaken the constitutional protections granted to provinces.