The opposition in the National Assembly has blocked the passage of a bill aimed at upgrading the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a federal force after pointing out the lack of quorum in the House.
The bill was introduced by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and proposed transforming the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary.
According to the government, the proposed legislation aimed to strengthen national security and improve coordination among various law enforcement agencies across the country.
The plan was designed to expand the role of the Frontier Constabulary by bringing the force under federal jurisdiction, allowing it to assist in maintaining law and order and addressing security challenges more effectively.
However, the opposition interrupted the legislative process by highlighting the absence of the required number of members in the National Assembly, which resulted in the lack of quorum and prevented the bill from being passed.
The development occurred on the same day that an ordinance related to the proposed upgrade of the Frontier Constabulary expired.
The ordinance had been issued by the president in July of the previous year, temporarily granting the federal government the authority to convert the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary.
Later, the ordinance was extended for an additional 120 days in November, but it officially lapsed on Thursday.
Despite the setback in the National Assembly, Minister Tallal Chaudhry expressed optimism that the bill would eventually be approved.
He indicated that the government would present the legislation again during upcoming parliamentary sessions, which are expected to take place after Eid.
The session in which the bill was introduced was part of a supplementary legislative agenda. However, due to the opposition’s insistence on verifying quorum before continuing the proceedings, the legislative process was halted.
Currently, the Frontier Constabulary functions primarily as a border security force. The proposed upgrade would have expanded its responsibilities and allowed for greater federal oversight.
The government maintains that the transformation of the FC into a federal force would help improve coordination in national security and strengthen law enforcement capabilities across Pakistan.
