KP Deputy Commissioners Granted Powers to Arrest and Detain Suspects Under MPO Ordinance

PESHAWAR: Deputy commissioners across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been granted powers to order arrests and detentions under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, amid growing security challenges and concerns over the province’s law and order situation.
According to media reports, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has delegated the relevant powers to all deputy commissioners to enable district administrations to take timely action against individuals suspected of posing a threat to public order.
A notification issued by the provincial Home and Tribal Affairs Department stated that the governor had delegated these powers under Section 3(1) of the West Pakistan Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960.
Under the new arrangement, the relevant deputy commissioner will be required to initiate legal proceedings without delay after receiving a case from the district police officer (DPO) concerning a suspect or an individual considered a potential threat to public order.
Decision Linked to Emergency Declaration
According to the notification, the decision follows the declaration of an emergency in the province on October 11.
The move aims to reduce administrative hurdles and bureaucratic delays, allowing authorities to respond more quickly to criminal activities, threats to public order and potential terrorist incidents.
The delegation of powers is intended to strengthen coordination between district administrations and police officials and facilitate prompt decisions in cases involving public safety.
Governor Directs Officials to Prevent Misuse of Powers
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has directed all deputy commissioners to exercise their newly delegated powers in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and established regulations.
He has also emphasised that the powers must not be misused for political purposes or other unlawful objectives.
According to the stated government position, protecting the lives and property of citizens, restoring lasting peace and maintaining the writ of the state remain key priorities.
The decision places greater responsibility on district administrations to respond to security threats while ensuring that any arrest or detention is carried out in accordance with the law.