ISLAMABAD:
In an apparent bid to address the growing security challenges, the federal government has decided to transform the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a nationwide federal force, reported the state-owned television network, citing “reliable sources”.
According to the report published on the PTV website, the revamped force — to be named as the Federal Constabulary — will be empowered to function across all provinces as well as Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
This transformation will be formalized through amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915, which are expected to receive approval from the federal cabinet soon. Following the cabinet’s endorsement, a presidential ordinance will be issued to extend the jurisdiction of the FC across the entire country.
As part of the reorganization, recruitment for the new Federal Constabulary will be carried out nationwide, with offices established across the country. The force will be commanded by officers from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP).
Security experts view this step as part of broader efforts to centralize and enhance Pakistan’s internal security infrastructure. The establishment of the Federal Constabulary is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and strengthening national peace and security mechanisms.
The Frontier Constabulary is a federal paramilitary force of Pakistan under the control of the interior secretary. Currently, it is largely drawn from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) but operates in several districts of Pakistan.
The force is responsible for maintaining law and order, and dealing with situations beyond the capabilities of the civilian police in the K-P. It also guards against tribal incursions, criminal gangs, and contraband smuggling.
The Frontier Constabulary was created in 1915 by amalgamating the Border Military Police and Samana Rifles, during British rule. Both of the forces were guarding the border between the tribal areas and the then-settled areas of the North-West Frontier Province — now called the K-P.
The Frontier Constabulary is often confused with Frontier Corps as both forces are abbreviated as the FC. The Frontier Corps are a group of four paramilitary forces officered by the Pakistan Army. On the other hand, Frontier Constabulary is headed by PSP officers.
Currently, the constabulary performs its basic function by dividing the area of responsibility into FC districts which in turn have an intricate network of forts, posts and pickets. At present there are 17 FC districts stretching from Gilgit in the extreme north to Karachi in the extreme South of the country.
The constabulary is already performing duties in all the provinces except Punjab. However, various FC platoons have also been deployed in Punjab for the security of sensitive installations and VVIPs.
