The federal government has clarified that the newly renamed Federal Constabulary—formerly known as the Frontier Constabulary (FC)—should not be mistaken for a federal police force. Officials stated that the transformation is part of a structural overhaul, not a change in mandate.
“No one should confuse this with a federal police. It remains the Federal Constabulary—FC will remain FC,” said Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry at a press conference on Monday, alongside FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara.
The clarification follows the promulgation of the Frontier Constabulary (Re-organisation) Ordinance, 2025, by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 89 of the Constitution, which officially rebrands the Frontier Constabulary as the Federal Constabulary.
Previously operating under the Frontier Constabulary Act, 1915, the FC has been a paramilitary force headquartered in Peshawar, commanded by a BS-21 police officer, and deployable across Pakistan to assist in maintaining law and order.
Explaining the purpose behind the reorganisation, Talal Chaudhry said the decision reflects the government’s intent to modernise and restructure the force, which will remain under federal control and continue to function as a law enforcement agency.
“Recruitment will now be conducted nationwide, and new wings will be established in line with modern security requirements,” he added.
The minister stressed that the restructured force will be modeled similarly to the Rangers and police, with enhanced capabilities and organisation. He also explained that due to Parliament not being in session in July, the ordinance was issued by the President but would be formally debated in the legislature soon.
Chaudhry further clarified that provinces using FC services would define the scope of its powers and deployment protocols.
Shedding more light on the reorganisation, Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara revealed that the Federal Constabulary will consist of 41 operational wings. Of these, 36 wings will belong to the Security Division, incorporating the existing structure.
The remaining five wings will fall under a newly created Federal Reserve Division, comprising:
- Five Riot Support Wings, and
- One Special Protection Wing, which will be responsible for securing key installations and government offices.
“The main objective of this overhaul is to strengthen the command hierarchy, meet operational demands, improve morale, and create functional divisions within the FC,” Commandant Gara stated.
The restructuring aims to enhance the FC’s responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring it is better equipped to handle modern security challenges.
