The proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026 suggests major changes in the administrative, financial and operational affairs of the provincial police.
Under the draft law, the provincial government would issue the notification for the appointment of the KP Inspector General of Police (IGP).
If the provincial government is not satisfied with the IGP’s performance, it could ask the federal government to provide more names for the post, according to the proposed law.
In the absence of the IGP, the Additional IGP Headquarters would take charge as acting IGP.
The draft also proposes giving the Home Secretary powers to transfer DSPs and ASPs.
The Chief Minister would have the authority to transfer SPs, SSPs and Additional IGs. The Establishment Department would issue notifications for their appointments.
The proposed law would give the provincial government control over all police postings and transfers.
It also proposes changes in the way police respond to legal cases. Under the draft, police would not directly submit replies in legal matters.
Instead, replies approved by the Law Department and the Advocate General’s Office would be submitted on behalf of the police.
Another major change concerns the Police Policy Board.
The draft proposes transferring its chairmanship from the IGP to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister would also have powers over the formulation of the police’s operational, administrative and financial policies, according to the draft.
All policies related to administrative matters would remain subject to directions from the provincial government.
The proposed legislation therefore gives the provincial government a greater role in police appointments, transfers, administration, finances and policy-making.
The draft is likely to draw attention because of its potential impact on the police command structure and operational independence in the province.
