PESHAWAR(The COW News Digital) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has prepared a draft of the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026, seeking significant changes to the existing police structure and greater provincial government control over administrative and policy matters.
The draft was presented before the provincial cabinet on Saturday. However, the proposal reportedly drew a strong reaction from police officials attending the meeting, prompting the government to hold further consultations before moving ahead with the legislation.
Under the proposed law, the powers of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would be reduced, while the provincial government would assume a greater role in appointments, transfers, performance reviews and other administrative affairs of the police department.
The draft proposes that the federal government send a panel of three officers to the provincial government for appointment as IGP. In case of disagreement, the provincial government would have the authority to request another panel.
The provincial government would also be empowered to initiate action for the early transfer of an IGP or their return to the federal government if their performance is considered unsatisfactory.
The proposed legislation would also change the system governing the posting and transfer of senior police officers. Instead of relying primarily on internal police boards, important appointments and transfers would be handled under the provincial government’s Rules of Business 1985.
The change would effectively increase the government’s direct involvement in key administrative decisions within the police department.
The draft also proposes restructuring public safety commissions at the provincial, capital city and district levels. These bodies would be headed by a member of the provincial assembly nominated by the Speaker.
The commissions would oversee police performance and examine public complaints, including allegations of misconduct or abuse by police officials.
Regional Police Complaint Authorities have also been proposed to investigate complaints against police officers up to the rank of superintendent of police. Cases involving alleged torture, corruption and other misconduct could fall within their jurisdiction.
Another major proposal involves separating police operations from investigation. Provincial investigation and crime branches, headed by an additional inspector general, would receive greater authority under the proposed framework.
The draft also introduces changes concerning public gatherings. Under Section 83, organizers seeking to hold rallies, processions or gatherings on major public roads would reportedly need prior permission from the deputy commissioner acting as district magistrate, rather than obtaining an NOC from police.
The draft proposes that all constable recruitment be conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency. For DSP positions, 50 percent would be filled through promotion, 30 percent through direct recruitment and 20 percent through competitive examinations.
A special quota has also been proposed for children of police martyrs, with 12.5 percent of Assistant Sub-Inspector positions suggested for the category.
The draft has not yet been finalized. Following objections raised during the cabinet meeting, further consultations have begun between the law minister, members of the cabinet’s subcommittee and the IGP before the government decides its next course of action.
