The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved a new police act, under which the chief minister will have the authority to appoint the inspector general of police (IG).
Under the proposed Police Act, if the provincial government is not satisfied with the IG’s performance, it can seek additional names from the federal government for his replacement. The provincial government will also have authority over postings and transfers.
The home secretary will be authorised to transfer deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and assistant superintendents of police (ASPs), while the chief minister will have the authority to transfer superintendents of police (SPs), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and additional inspectors general (AIGs).
The chairmanship of the Police Policy Board has also been transferred from the IG to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.
The chief minister will also have the authority to formulate the police’s operational, administrative and financial policies.
According to Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan, the purpose of the new police law is to make the police more accountable to the public. Regional investigation officers will be appointed to strengthen the police investigation system, while police policy and operational matters will be separated.
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Shafi Jan said the new law would create more opportunities for police officers in terms of promotions and career progression. An accountability system based on performance will also be introduced for the provincial police officer.
Senior KP police officers had previously expressed reservations about the Police Act.
According to sources, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed has maintained that the Peshawar High Court had already declared amendments relating to the withdrawal of powers from the IG null and void.
