Transformation of FC to counterterrorism force

Islamabad : The establishment of the Federal Constabulary offers several significant benefits for Pakistan's internal security landscape. By centralising the control of a versatile security force under the federal government, the Federal Constabulary will allow for more coordinated responses to nationwide security challenges. This is particularly crucial in a country facing multifaceted threats that often transcend provincial boundaries.

The creation of a dedicated Federal Reserve Division for riot control and special protection meaningfully strengthens the government's ability to manage civil unrest and provide specialized security.

The crucial mandate of upholding law and order, combating antisocial elements, and eradicating terrorism has now been exclusively entrusted to the Federal Constabulary Force. This specialized force has been meticulously established to shoulder these vital responsibilities, marking a new era where the safety and security of Islamabad are paramount, moving these critical duties from the general police to a dedicated, focused entity.

The recent promulgation of the "Frontier Constabulary (Reorganisation) Ordinance, 2025" by President Asif Ali Zardari marks a significant strategic shift in Pakistan's approach to internal security and law enforcement. This ordinance empowers the federal government to transform the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into the Federal Constabulary, granting it broader operational authority and a more versatile mandate. This move is aimed at enhancing the federal government's capacity to maintain law and order, support other law enforcement agencies, and effectively respond to a diverse range of security challenges across the nation.

Initially established to secure border areas and maintain peace in those regions, the Frontier Constabulary's role has expanded considerably over the years. The FC was deployed in Karachi nearly 25 years ago, subsequently in the federal capital, and more recently in Gilgit-Baltistan for the protection of critical infrastructure like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and major dams. This gradual expansion underscored a growing reliance on the FC beyond its initial border-centric mandate.

The current reorganisation is a direct response to "evolving national security challenges, an increasing number of emergencies, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emerging threats."

The newly established Federal Constabulary will be a highly structured and federally controlled force. It will be headed by an Inspector General, appointed by the federal government, who will oversee its operations nationwide. The Inspector General will be supported by a hierarchy of officers from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), including Additional Inspectors General, Deputy Inspectors General, and Assistant Inspectors General.

The force will be organized into two primary divisions – Security Division and Federal Reserve Division.

The Security Division will primarily comprise the existing personnel of the Frontier Constabulary. Recruitment into this division will continue to follow established procedures and regulations, ensuring continuity while adapting to the new mandate.

While, Federal Reserve Division is a crucial new component, specifically dedicated to "riot control and special protection." The creation of this specialized division underscores the government's intent to enhance its capacity to manage civil unrest and provide high-level security where needed.

The operational structure will further include wings, companies, and platoons, led by officers ranging from Superintendent of Police (SP) down to Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). This hierarchical arrangement is designed to ensure efficient command, control, and deployment of units.

A significant aspect of the reorganization is the expansion of the force's legal authority. Previously, the use of the FC for VIP security faced criticism. However, under the new provisions, the Federal Constabulary can now be openly utilized for "personal protection of the elite under the guise of ‘escort protection’." This formalizes a role that was previously ambiguous.

Crucially, the Federal Constabulary will exercise powers under several key legal frameworks, including, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), 1898, that provides the basic framework for police powers in Pakistan.

While, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 will grant the force significant powers to combat terrorism. The FC governs policing in the country under Police Order-2002 and provides a modern legal basis for police operations.

The ordinance explicitly states that the federal government can assign "any powers or duties of a police officer to any member of the Federal Constabulary" through general or special orders. This flexible provision allows for tailoring the force's mandate to specific security situations.

All officers and employees serving in the FC at the time of the ordinance's enforcement will automatically be transferred to the Federal Constabulary with their existing status, terms, and conditions of service.

The new ordinance grants the federal government the full legal authority to deploy the Federal Constabulary "anywhere in the country for any security-related purpose." This eliminates previous ambiguities and allows for rapid deployment to hotspots, whether for law enforcement support, disaster relief, or critical infrastructure protection.

With its structured divisions and specialized training, the Federal Constabulary can develop expertise in areas like counter-terrorism, VIP protection, and crowd management, providing a higher level of capability than a general police force might offer in certain situations.

The Federal Constabulary is designated as a reserve force, performing special duties in support of Islamabad Police, provincial police, and other law enforcement agencies.

The continued and formalised role in protecting projects like CPEC and major dams is vital for national development and economic stability. A dedicated and federally controlled force ensures consistent and robust security for these strategic assets.