Pakistan declared on Monday the establishment of a new national paramilitary unit, which immediately led the opposition parties and human rights campaigners to suspicion of political abuse.
The government has converted the current Frontier Constabulary, which had jurisdiction over the northwestern border of Pakistan with Afghanistan, tothe Federal Constabulary, which is nationwide with enlarged powers. State Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry announced the move would strengthen internal security, riot control, and counter-terrorism efforts.
The timing has raised eyebrows. The announcement came just as former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party declared plans for nationwide protests starting August 5, marking the second anniversary of Khan's arrest.
"This should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents," warned PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari, referencing past government crackdowns on party leadership and supporters.
Human rights groups echo these concerns. "We are alarmed by changes being made to the security structure without parliamentary debate," said Haris Khalique of the Human Rights
President Asif Ali Zardari has already approved the legal amendments, allowing the federal government to deploy the force across all provinces and territories. The move reflects Pakistan's broader effort to centralise security operations amid rising militant threats and political unrest.
