Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet Approves Draft Police Act 2026, Restructuring Command, Oversight, and Administrative Powers
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has approved the draft of the Police Act 2026, which will bring significant changes in the provincial policing and administrative system.
Based on the information provided by the proposed bill, the IGP’s official notification will now be released by the provincial government. The legislation changes say that when the provincial government is not satisfied with the performance of the police chief, it has the discretion to ask the federal government for alternative names to consider. The Additional IG (Headquarters) will take charge if the IGP is not there.
Proposed changes to key administrative and transfer authorities:DSPs and ASPs: The Home Secretary will be responsible for administering transfers and postings in the senior grades. SPs, SSPs and Additional IGs: Transfers and postings are the responsibility of direct administration of the Chief Minister and the formal notification of the transfers are done from the Administration Department.
Legal Representation: The draft changes the rules on how police departments are allowed to respond in legal matters, so that any legal response is to be cleared and approved by the Law Department and the Advocate General’s Office.
By the 2026 plan, the Police Policy Board will be headed by Chief Minister KP instead of Inspector General.
This means that absolute powers to make operating, administrative and financial policies of the Police Force will be put in the hands of the Chief Minister where administrative processes will be strictly under the guidance of the provincial government.