K-P Cabinet approves landmark Police Act 2026
New law gives the province power to recall underperforming federal officers, separates policy from operations
On Wednesday, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Cabinet endorsed the K-P Police Act 2026, a comprehensive reform aimed at enhancing accountability, professionalism, and efficiency within the provincial police force. The legislation grants the provincial government the authority to recall federal police officers, including the Inspector General, in instances of subpar performance.
It also delineates a clear distinction between police policy and operational matters, establishes new oversight boards, and restructures investigation and dispute-resolution processes. Shafi Jan, the Provincial Minister for Information, Science, Technology, and Information Technology, elucidated the significance of the proposed law, emphasizing its role in promoting transparency and accountability within the police system.
According to the new Act, the chief minister will preside over the Police Policy Board, while the Inspector General of Police leads the Police Operations Board. Furthermore, the provincial police chief is mandated to formulate an annual policing plan, detailing priorities, performance targets, and future actions, which must be approved by the Policy Board.
The law also provides for the appointment of Regional Investigation Officers across the province post-enactment. The reform, one of the most extensive overhauls in recent years, positions the government to bolster public service delivery and institutional accountability.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
