A key parliamentary committee has endorsed a landmark bill to restructure the Frontier Constabulary (FC), paving the way for the creation of a new, permanent, Islamabad-based federal force dedicated to riot control and rapid deployment across the country.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, recommended the passage of ‘The Frontier Constabulary (Re-Organization) Bill, 2025’ with amendments following detailed deliberations on Tuesday. The legislative proposal received the backing of a majority of the committee members.
The proposed reorganization, first introduced through an ordinance on July 13, 2025, will divide the civil armed force into two distinct components. The bulk of the force, approximately 24,765 personnel, will continue to serve in the Security Division, while 3,224 members will form the newly established Federal Reserve Division (FRD).
During a comprehensive briefing, the Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary explained that the FRD is envisioned as a multi-ethnic federal reserve unit. Its primary responsibilities will include managing civil unrest, providing special protection, and serving as a quick-reaction force for deployment to federal territories and provinces as required. This structural change aims to enhance operational stability and lessen the need for frequent redeployments of existing units.
To ensure national representation, recruitment for the new division will be conducted on a quota system. The four provinces will each contribute 20% of the force, with 10% from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 6% from Gilgit-Baltistan, and the remaining 4% from the Islamabad Capital Territory.
While basic training for all recruits will remain at the Shabkadar facility, the FRD members will undergo specialized training. These advanced courses in anti-riot tactics and tactical operations will be held at Sihala and other designated centres, with the possibility of involving inter-force and international trainers.
The Commandant clarified that the Security Division would maintain its traditional duties, including securing diplomatic missions, protecting federal installations, and supporting counter-terrorism operations. He emphasized that the FC will retain its status as a civil armed force under the Ministry of Interior, with the legislation only affecting its internal structure.
Committee members, including Anjum Aqeel Khan and Nosheen Iftikhar, raised questions regarding recruitment criteria and officer appointments for the new division. The Commandant assured the panel that initial officer positions would be filled through internal promotions, with new hiring planned for a later phase.
The Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, who was present at the session, urged the committee to approve the measure, assuring that any technical or procedural matters could be addressed when the bill is presented before the National Assembly for a final vote.