The federal government has clarified that the newly designated Federal Constabulary, formerly known as the Frontier Constabulary, should not be mistaken for a federal police force. This transformation is solely aimed at revamping the force’s existing structure. “No one should confuse that this is a federal police; it’s Federal Constabulary. FC will remain FC,” stated Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry during a press conference on Monday, alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara.
The minister’s press conference followed President Asif Ali Zardari’s promulgation of the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organisation) Ordinance, 2025, under Article 89 of the Constitution. This ordinance officially transforms the Frontier Constabulary into the “Federal Constabulary.”
Prior to this reorganization, the FC was governed by the federal government under the Frontier Constabulary Act, 1915. Headquartered in Peshawar, the force was led by a senior police officer of BS-21 rank and could be deployed anywhere in Pakistan to enhance security and administration.
Elaborating on the presidential ordinance, Talal Chaudhry explained that the move signifies the federal government’s decision to restructure the FC. He clarified that the force will continue to operate under the Centre and function like any other law enforcement agency in the country.
“People will be recruited from all over Pakistan for FC. New wings will be created in FC according to the requirements of modern times,” the minister added. He also remarked that “The structure of the Federal Constabulary is being revamped on the lines of the Rangers and police.”
Acknowledging that the presidential ordinance was issued because Parliament is not in session during July, he assured that the ordinance will be debated and discussed in Parliament. Furthermore, he clarified that the province utilizing the FC’s services will also be responsible for determining its powers.
Meanwhile, providing insights into the restructuring of the Federal Constabulary, Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara stated that the force will comprise 41 wings. Of these, 36 wings will belong to the Security Division, made up of personnel already serving in the FC. The remaining six wings, he added, will fall under the “Federal Reserve Division,” with five dedicated to the Riot Support Wing and one to the Special Protection Wing. The latter will be responsible for ensuring the security and protection of key installations and offices. The officer emphasized, “The primary reason for reorganisation is to improve the tiers of command structure, fulfill operational requirements to boost morale, and create division within the FC.”
Federal Constabulary: A Brief Overview
As per the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organisation) Ordinance, 2025, the force will be deployed by the federal government for internal security, riot control, counter-terrorism, protection, or escort duties.
“The operational command shall consist of Divisional Commanders, officers of the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and such other officers as may be appointed in the prescribed manner, who shall command Security Division and Federal Reserve Division respectively.”
“Structure of the Federal Constabulary shall comprise wings, companies and platoons, commanded by officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police or Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector, Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector respectively,” the ordinance states.
Furthermore, the Security Division will encompass the existing strength of the Frontier Constabulary and will exclusively consist of personnel appointed through the traditional system as prescribed by regulations.
In contrast, the Federal Reserve Division will be a “multi-ethnic national force with 20% representation from the four federating units (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KP), 10% from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 6% from Gilgit Baltistan, and 4% from the Islamabad Capital Territory.”
Additionally, the Federal Constabulary will possess powers enshrined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (XXVII of 1997), the Police Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’s Order No. 22 of 2002), and any other law currently in force.
The ordinance further empowers the federal government, through general or special order, to confer or impose upon any member of the FC any of the powers or duties conferred or imposed on a police officer of any class or grade by any enactment currently in force. The FC can now also establish regional headquarters with the approval of the federal government in regions where it is deployed for effective command and control.
