Talal Chaudhry opposes proposed KP Police Act, warns against changes to command structure

He said the rules governing the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) could not be altered in violation of the Constitution and law, arguing that the command structure of a police force engaged in counterterrorism operations could not be undermined. The KP cabinet approved the draft Police Act 2026 a day earlier.

The proposed legislation seeks to expand the provincial government’s authority over police policy, administrative, operational and financial matters, including the appointment of the provincial police chief. Under the proposed mechanism, the federal government would send a panel of three officers to the provincial government for appointment of the inspector general of police.

The provincial government would have the option to select one officer from the panel or reject the entire panel. The draft also proposes changes to the powers concerning the appointment and transfer of regional police officers and district police officers, placing these matters under the chief minister and the provincial home department.

Criticising the proposed legislation, Chaudhry said it would violate the Constitution and PSP rules. He argued that the proposed changes went beyond limiting the IG’s powers and would affect the broader command structure of the police.

He said the chief minister would retain authority over appointments from DSP to IG level and questioned whether police could effectively fight terrorism under such an arrangement. Chaudhry also questioned whether police officers would look towards their own command structure or political representatives when making professional decisions.

The minister said provincial chief ministers already had the authority to consult and issue directions regarding police appointments.