ISLAMABAD – In a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s internal security framework, the federal government is preparing to transform the Frontier Constabulary into a fully operational Federal Constabulary with powers to operate across the entire country, including Islamabad, all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to a report by state-run PTV News, citing reliable sources, the proposed revamp will involve key amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915. Once approved by the federal cabinet, the changes will be formalized through a presidential ordinance.
This new Federal Constabulary is expected to be a central force for maintaining law and order and will operate under the Ministry of Interior. Recruitment will be carried out on a nationwide basis, and the force will be led by officers from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP). Offices will be established across the country to support its expanded role.
Security analysts see this step as part of a broader strategy to centralize internal security and create a more robust mechanism to address growing challenges — including terrorism, organized crime, and civil unrest — which at times outpace the capacity of provincial police forces.
Currently, the Frontier Constabulary is a federal paramilitary force under the Interior Ministry but mostly staffed by personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Its current mandate includes handling situations beyond the reach of civilian police, guarding against tribal incursions, organized crime, and smuggling.
Established during British colonial rule in 1915 through the merger of the Border Military Police and Samana Rifles, the FC originally served as a buffer force between tribal and settled areas of the then North-West Frontier Province.
While the FC already operates in most parts of Pakistan — including Karachi and Gilgit — its deployment in Punjab has so far been limited to securing sensitive locations and protecting VIPs. The new initiative aims to formalize and expand its jurisdiction uniformly across all regions.
It’s important to note that the Frontier Constabulary is distinct from the Frontier Corps, though both are commonly abbreviated as “FC.” The Frontier Corps is composed of four provincial forces and operates under the Pakistan Army, while the Frontier Constabulary is commanded by PSP officers.
Once operational, the Federal Constabulary will serve as a central pillar in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen national peace and law enforcement through a coordinated, cross-provincial security force.
