Pakistan Federal Government Challenges KP Police Act 2026

The Government of Pakistan announced it will challenge the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Act 2026 in the Supreme Court, asserting the legislation is unconstitutional and conflicts with federal laws. The federal government argues the act seeks to place the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) under the unilateral control of the provincial government, undermining the established command and control structure.

The KP Cabinet approved the act on September 23 during an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The legislation shifts significant authority from the Inspector General of Police to the provincial government, transferring the chairmanship of the Police Policy Board to the Chief Minister. It allows the province to recall federal police officers for unsatisfactory performance and requires the government to approve the police chief's administrative and financial decisions.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry warned that this shift in power could weaken counter-terrorism efforts and damage officer morale. The move follows friction between the KP government and police leadership after the Inspector General submitted a response to the Islamabad High Court regarding a proposed long march without consulting provincial authorities.

Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan defended the reforms as a necessary step toward greater public accountability and professionalism. The draft legislation now awaits approval from the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to become law.