Pakistan criticizes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police bill — Dawn
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticized a law proposed by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that is intended to replace the Police Act of 2017. At a briefing in Islamabad, he said that changes to the police command system could weaken its ability to maintain order and counter terrorism, Dawn reports.
Powers of the police chief
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial cabinet approved the draft of a new law the previous day. The document provides for limiting the powers of the inspector general of police: his operational, administrative and financial decisions would require approval from the provincial government or the chief minister.
Chaudhry said that policing and maintaining public order fall within the jurisdiction of the provinces, but their legislative changes cannot contradict Pakistan’s constitution, the rules of the Police Service of Pakistan and other applicable regulations. According to him, the draft not only limits the powers of the inspector general but also destroys the entire police command system.
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The minister also claims that regional police officers holding the rank of deputy inspector general will lose the right to appoint Grade 17 officers, including deputy superintendents of police. Additional inspectors general, he said, will be unable to appoint officers to non-field positions in Grades 17–19.
Governor’s position
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also spoke out against the initiative. He said that the provincial authorities allegedly seek to establish political control over the police and promised not to approve the document if it reaches his office. Kundi called the proposed law unconstitutional and illegal.
Chaudhry noted that the draft has so far been approved only by the provincial cabinet and is next to be submitted to the provincial assembly. According to him, the document will likely be challenged in court. The minister also said that the federal government is ready to initiate further legislative steps if the issue reaches parliament.
