Frontier Constabulary Granted Federal Force Status Through Presidential Ordinance

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has issued a presidential ordinance granting the Frontier Constabulary (FC) the status of a federal force, empowering the federal government to restructure it as the Federal Constabulary. The move aims to strengthen internal security, assist law enforcement agencies, and meet evolving national security and emergency response needs more effectively.
According to a report by Dawn, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued an official notification shortly after the ordinance was promulgated. Initially, the FC was established to maintain law and order in border regions, ensure regional security, and safeguard public peace.
However, due to shifting national security dynamics, increasing emergencies, civil unrest, natural disasters, and emerging threats, a more flexible and multi-dimensional force has become necessary. The ordinance addresses this requirement by granting the federal government broader powers to utilize the FC nationwide.
The ordinance, titled “Frontier Constabulary (Reorganization) Ordinance, 2025,” came into immediate effect. It was issued in the absence of a National Assembly or Senate session, with the President deeming urgent action necessary.
A former Federal Interior Secretary told Dawn that the new ordinance gives the government full legal authority to deploy the FC anywhere in the country for any security-related purpose. He noted that the FC was first deployed in Karachi about 25 years ago, and later in Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly for the security of projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and major dam projects.
Previously, the use of FC for VIP protection drew criticism. Now, under the guise of “escort protection,” the force can be openly used for the personal security of the elite.
Under the new structure, the force will be led by an Inspector General (IG) appointed by the federal government. The FC will serve as a reserve force supporting Islamabad Police, provincial police, and other law enforcement agencies. It will be divided into two main divisions: Security Division and Federal Reserve Division.
The command hierarchy will include Additional IGs, Deputy IGs, Assistant IGs, and other officers from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP). Operational units will include wings, companies, and platoons led by officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, and Assistant Sub-Inspector.
The Security Division will consist of existing FC personnel, recruited according to traditional procedures. The Federal Reserve Division will be dedicated to riot control and specialized protection, and will operate under powers granted by the Criminal Procedure Code (1898), the Anti-Terrorism Act (1997), the Police Order (2002), and other existing laws.
Additionally, the federal government may, by general or special order, assign any police officer’s powers or duties to a Federal Constabulary member.
All powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Frontier Constabulary will be transferred to the Federal Constabulary. Personnel serving under the FC prior to this ordinance will be considered as part of the Federal Constabulary under the same terms and conditions.
Rules, notifications, and orders issued under the Frontier Constabulary Act, 1915 will remain in effect unless they conflict with the new ordinance.