PESHAWAR: The proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2026 envisages significant changes to the appointment, transfers and policy-making authority concerning the provincial police force.
According to the proposed legislation, the provincial government would issue the notification for the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), while the federal government would provide names for consideration.
The proposed Act states that if the provincial government is dissatisfied with the IGP’s performance, it may seek additional names from the federal government for the appointment of a new police chief.
In the absence of the IGP, the Additional IGP Headquarters would assume charge as acting IGP, according to the proposed law.
The proposed legislation also outlines new arrangements for transfers and postings of senior police officers.
Transfers of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) would be made by the Home Secretary, while transfers of Superintendents of Police (SPs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Additional IGs would fall under the authority of the Chief Minister.
Notifications for the appointment of SPs, SSPs and Additional IGs would be issued by the Administration Department.
The proposed Act further states that the police would not directly submit responses in legal matters. Instead, responses approved by the Law Department and the Advocate General’s Office would be submitted by the police.
Under the proposed legislation, the provincial government would also be given authority over all postings and transfers within the police department.
Another major proposed change concerns the Police Policy Board. Its chairmanship would be transferred from the IGP to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The proposed Act would also give the Chief Minister authority to formulate the police force’s operational, administrative and financial policies, while all policies relating to administrative matters would remain subject to directions issued by the provincial government.
The proposed legislation is expected to alter the existing framework governing police administration, appointments, transfers and policy-making in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.