ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced that it will challenge the amended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026 in the Supreme Court, with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticising the legislation for altering the command structure of the provincial police.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Chaudhry said the amended law had only recently been approved by the KP cabinet and warned the provincial government to reconsider its position.
He said the federal government had several legal options regarding the legislation and confirmed that the amended Police Act would be challenged before the Supreme Court.
The minister alleged that the proposed law went beyond changing the powers of the inspector general of police and would affect the overall command structure of the force. He also accused the KP government of increasing political involvement in police affairs.
Under the legislation approved by the KP cabinet, the provincial government would have greater authority over senior police appointments and transfers. The law also provides a mechanism under which the provincial government can approach the federal government for the repatriation of an inspector general whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory and seek another panel of senior officers.
Chaudhry questioned the state of policing in a province that has faced terrorism for years, saying the government should focus on strengthening the Counter Terrorism Department and equipping the police with modern resources.
He also addressed reports of road closures around Islamabad, saying all 125 routes leading to the federal capital were open.
The KP cabinet approved the revised Police Act 2026 on Wednesday after considering recommendations from a cabinet subcommittee and proposals raised by police authorities. The approved draft is expected to be presented before the provincial assembly for further legislative proceedings.
