Talal Chudhry

Federal Government Restructures Frontier Constabulary into Federal Constabulary

The federal government has clarified that the transformation of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into the Federal Constabulary does not equate to creating a federal police force. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, addressing a press conference alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, stated, “No one should confuse this as a federal police; it remains the FC.” The change follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s promulgation of the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organisation) Ordinance, 2025 under Article 89 of the Constitution.

Previously governed by the 1915 Frontier Constabulary Act, the FC was headquartered in Peshawar and led by a BS-21 grade officer. The force could be deployed across Pakistan for security and administrative duties. The new ordinance reflects the government’s intent to modernize the FC’s structure, ensuring it operates like other national law enforcement agencies while remaining under federal control.

Minister Talal highlighted that recruitment will now be nationwide, with new wings established to meet contemporary security challenges. “The Federal Constabulary is being revamped on the lines of Rangers and police,” he said. He also clarified that provinces utilizing FC services will define its operational powers. Since Parliament is not in session, the ordinance will be debated later.

FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara detailed that the restructured force will comprise 41 wings—36 under the Security Division (existing personnel) and five under a new Federal Reserve Division, including riot support and VIP protection units. “The reorganization aims to improve command structure, operational readiness, and morale,” Gara explained. The move signals a strategic shift toward a more agile and specialized security force.