KP Police reject proposed amendments to Police Act 2017

PESHAWAR: Police officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have expressed concerns on the proposed amendments to the Police Act 2017, stating that the government’s attempt to limit police powers will lead to increased political interference and negatively impact the performance of police force.

Police officers consider the amendments an attempt to gain political control over the police, causing significant unrest among senior officials who believe it will undermine their freedom.

According to the sources, the amendments to the Police Act were presented in the cabinet meeting without informing the inspector general of police and he opposed the amendments during the cabinet meeting. The sources said the IGP remarked that such actions would harm the police department.

When contacted, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, IGP KP, told this correspondent that he opposed the proposed amendment and the government had retracted several points. However, he emphasized that this would seriously affect policing in the province. He conveyed his reservations to the cabinet.

Senior police officers held a meeting in Peshawar to deliberate on the proposed amendments and expressed their concerns on the potential impact on police autonomy while preparing to present their position to the provincial government. After the meeting, one officer informed this correspondent that the chief secretary and IGP opposed the amendments during the cabinet meeting, but despite their reservations, the cabinet approved the amendments.

According to the sources, the IGP remarked during the provincial cabinet meeting: “Those proposing these amendments probably want to bring the police department on a par with the Fisheries Department.” The chief secretary stated: “This will damage the performance of police.”

An officer told this correspondent that a delegation had met the speaker of the provincial assembly and told him that these amendments would open the door to political interference in police matters, compromising their ability to maintain impartial law and order across the province.

Police officials have expressed concern that the proposed changes will transform the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police into a politically influenced entity and erode professionalism and autonomy intended by the Police Act 2017. Many officers believe that political leaders will use their newfound powers to influence police operations, particularly in politically sensitive matters or protests, putting pressure on officers to act by political interests.

A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “These amendments are a clear attempt to politicize the police force. Once politicians have control over appointments and transfers, maintaining neutrality will be compromised. We are concerned that officers may be compelled to align their decisions with political interests rather than focusing on public safety and justice.” Another officer said political interference could create a culture of favoritism within the police force, where officers were rewarded or penalized based on their relationships with political leaders rather than their professional performance.

Despite the police force’s concerns, the provincial government has defended the proposed amendments, arguing that these changes are necessary to enhance oversight and make the police more accountable to the public. Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, adviser to the chief minister on Information, claimed that these amendments would improve police operations and establish a more coordinated relationship between the police and provincial administration. He said these amendments were aimed at ensuring that the police force was not only effective but also responsive to the needs of public. Accountability mechanisms are essential in any democratic system, and these reforms seek to strike a balance between operational independence and government oversight.

The Police Act 2017 was introduced during the government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf by then chief minister Pervaiz Khattak to grant greater autonomy to the police force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One of its key features was to give senior police officers the authority to manage internal affairs, ensuring that they operate without political interference. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf viewed this Act as a significant step towards creating a more professional, accountable and transparent police force.

Later, a police officers delegation met with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss their concerns and reservations. During the meeting, the delegation highlighted key issues affecting the police force related to the proposed amendments. In response, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur assured the delegation that their reservations and concerns would be carefully considered before any legislation is passed.