K-P police under political thumb after amendment

Officials warn changes to Police Act can compromise impartiality and effectiveness

In a move widely seen as an attempt to erode institutional independence, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) administration has amended the 2017 Police Act, placing the province’s law enforcement firmly under the thumb of political authority.

Under the revised law, police authority shifts to the Chief Minister, transforming what was once a largely autonomous force into one answerable to local officials and a newly created Public Complaints Authority (PCA).

This body, comprising retired judges, bureaucrats, civil society figures, and members of the provincial and national assemblies, now has the mandate to oversee the actions of officers ranging from constables to Grade 18 personnel.

Experts familiar with the development have raised concerns that police operations may become entangled in political agendas, potentially undermining impartiality.

Dismissing doubts about the controversy surrounding the move, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam told The Express Tribune that although the police were given powers, there was no system of checks and balances. “This amendment to the Police Act 2017 was introduced for accountability and transparency.

Now, the police will be directly answerable to public representatives and the Chief Minister,” claimed Alam, who further revealed that the PCA will include four provincial assembly members from the government and three from the opposition, as well as retired bureaucrats, judges, civil society and local representatives, making up a 15-member authority.

On the other hand, a senior Grade 19 officer, speaking anonymously to The Express Tribune, was of the opinion that the current K-P government had made amendments to the Police Act 2017 within 24 hours based on the wishes of ‘certain’ political representatives.

“This hasty decision will have negative consequences for the public. The police department was not consulted on the amendments, and the opinions of both serving and retired officers were excluded. Under the Police Act 2017, the police were already answerable through the Public Safety Commission, which was never operationalized by the government. Now, they have come up with the new Public Complaints Authority,” lamented the officer, who felt that entangling police officers in political investigations would hinder the maintenance of security in the province.

“Apart from monitoring, transfers and postings for officers from Grade 18 to Additional IG and DIGs will also be under the Chief Minister’s control,” added Alam, the law minister.