Pakistani minister voices concern over new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act

Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has expressed concerns over the newly approved Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Act, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry said the legislation, approved by the provincial cabinet, could affect the police command structure, discipline and morale within the force, as well as its role in maintaining law and order and combating terrorism, the report said.

The KP Police Act governs the organization and operations of policing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that has faced significant security challenges, including militancy, in recent years. Changes to command structures and disciplinary frameworks within a police force are often closely scrutinized given their potential impact on operational effectiveness, particularly in regions dealing with counterterrorism responsibilities.

Chaudhry's comments reflect concerns at the federal level about a provincial legislative change, highlighting the interplay between provincial and federal authorities on policing and security matters in Pakistan. The province's police force plays a central role in counterterrorism operations given its proximity to areas with a history of militant activity.

The Associated Press of Pakistan's report did not detail the specific provisions of the new Act that prompted the minister's concerns, framing the coverage around his remarks at the press conference.