The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Wednesday approved the K-P Police Act 2026, proposing major changes to police oversight, investigations and the division of authority within the provincial force.
Among the legislation’s key provisions is the power for the provincial government to return the services of federally appointed police officers, including the Inspector General of Police, if their performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
The proposed law also introduces separate structures for policymaking and operational policing. Under the new arrangement, the chief minister would head a Police Policy Board, while the Inspector General would chair a separate Police Operations Board.
Provincial Information, Science, Technology and Information Technology Minister Shafi Jan said after the cabinet meeting that the legislation was intended to introduce significant reforms to the policing system.
He said the changes would increase police accountability to the public, strengthen investigations and improve officers’ professional development, while establishing a clearer distinction between policy decisions and operational responsibilities.
The provincial police chief would also be required to prepare an annual policing plan setting out priorities, performance targets and proposed actions. The plan would then be submitted to the Police Policy Board for approval.
Another major provision concerns criminal investigations. Once the legislation is passed by the provincial assembly, Regional Investigation Officers would be appointed across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as part of an overhaul of the investigation system.
The cabinet’s approval is a step in the legislative process; the proposed Act will require passage by the K-P Assembly before its provisions can take effect.