Senior police officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) held an emergency meeting to express concerns over the proposed amendments to the KP Police Act, which they believe will shift significant powers to the bureaucracy, leading to political interference in the police force.
Concerns over bypassing police leadership
Sources revealed that the senior officers convened at the Police Lines in Peshawar, where they discussed the amendments to the Police Act, which were presented to the KP Cabinet without consulting the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The officers expressed dissatisfaction that key police powers would be transferred to bureaucrats, bypassing the police leadership entirely.
Political interference feared
One of the primary concerns voiced by the officers was that the amendments would pave the way for increased political interference in police matters.
The officers also debated the formation of a committee consisting of government, opposition members, and police officers to review the amendments.
Meeting with the speaker of KP assembly
Following the meeting, senior police officers met with the Speaker of the KP Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, at the Speaker’s House to raise their objections.
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They argued that giving such powers to bureaucrats would violate Supreme Court and Sindh High Court rulings, ultimately leading to a drop in police morale.
Concerns over bureaucratic power and police morale
The officers emphasized that shifting control over police postings and transfers to the bureaucracy would undermine the police’s independence and reduce morale within the force.
However, they did not object to the powers being granted to the Chief Minister and the cabinet.
Long leaves considered by officers
In response to the potential changes, some police officers have reportedly begun preparations to take extended leaves.
The Speaker of the KP Assembly has assured the officers that their concerns will be considered and reviewed.
