Latest news with #FederalReserveForce
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
An unnecessary overreach
EDITORIAL: In a move signaling urgency, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday promulgated an ordinance granting the federal government the authority to elevate the Frontier Constabulary (FC) to the status of a federal force. The FC, which has long been deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP's) former tribal areas and the troubled border regions of Balochistan – regions plagued by insurgencies, terrorism, and tribal conflicts – has already functioned as a federal paramilitary force under the control of the Ministry of Interior. However, its role was largely confined to localized operations within these specific regions. What is different now is that the government has expanded the FC's jurisdiction, establishing a new Federal Reserve Force under its command with responsibilities for anti-riot and special protection duties. This new structure will be granted powers as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Police Order, and any other applicable laws. Furthermore, the ordinance empowers the federal government to confer upon any FC member the powers of a police officer, of any class or grade, as per the laws in force at the time. Ostensibly, this move is a response to growing national security concerns. However, the decision to elevate the FC to a federal force and deploy it nationwide raises questions about the underlying rationale, particularly given its potential overlap with other paramilitary forces. The Rangers, for instance, already operate in various parts of the country, particularly urban centers like Karachi, where they have played a key role in counterterrorism and controlling civil unrest. The necessity of expanding the FC's role, therefore, is questionable. Its current deployment in the border regions of Baluchistan and the tribal districts of KP is justified by the unique security challenges these regions face, such as cross-border militancy, insurgency, and ethnic tensions. These challenges do not exist in other provinces – at least not at the same level of intensity. The police are quite capable of handling civil disturbances and riots. Additionally, there already are a range of law enforcement agencies, including the Rangers, and even the military in certain situations. The involvement of army officers in the leadership of the FC's new Federal Reserve Force raises further concerns. This suggests a more militarised approach to policing, which could undermine civilian authority and exacerbate tensions between law enforcement agencies and the public. In non-conflict areas, such a heavy-handed approach would not only be unnecessary but could also lead to potential abuses of power, eroding what little trust remains between citizens and the government. Ultimately, the decision to deploy the FC across the entire country risks creating more problems than it aims to resolve. The focus should instead be on improving the efficiency of existing law enforcement agencies, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and ensuring that the right force is deployed in the right context. Overwhelming the country with multiple paramilitary forces will create challenges that may undermine the very security these forces are intended to protect. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
President renames FC as Federal Constabulary with nationwide powers
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has issued the Frontier Constabulary Reorganization Ordinance 2025, officially renaming the force as the Federal Constabulary. According to the ordinance, the jurisdiction of the Federal Constabulary will now extend across the entire country, including all four provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The ordinance follows amendments to the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915. The Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary will be appointed by the federal government. Rules for the functioning of the force will be framed, and each division will have a wing commander equivalent to the rank of Deputy Inspector General. The federal government will also have the authority to recruit a Federal Reserve Force to maintain law and order. The Federal Constabulary will be responsible for riot control, internal security, counter-terrorism, and providing protection. Under the ordinance, the Federal Constabulary will have a dedicated Security Division and a Federal Reserve Division. Recruitment offices will be established across the country, and the force will be commanded by officers from the Police Service of Pakistan under a reorganization framework. The ordinance applies to every member of the Federal Constabulary and is effective immediately. The federal government will oversee and control the force and can deploy it as a reserve to support Islamabad Police, provincial police, and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the Federal Constabulary will have powers under the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and the Police Order of 2002. The government may also grant any member of the force police-like powers and responsibilities under applicable laws.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
More than 5,000 cops to be deployed for Asean meet
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 5,121 police personnel will be deployed for the coming 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings here. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said a detailed security plan has been drawn up with continuous monitoring to ensure that the meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre go smoothly from next Tuesday to Friday. 'Police have taken appropriate measures to ensure full preparedness ahead of this meeting. 'The main focus is the security of VIPs, traffic control and handling emergencies. 'This team will also use sophisticated technology such as facial recognition systems and explosives detection,' he told Bernama yesterday. Azmi said police will combine forces with various departments and units, including the Federal Reserve Force, Special Operations Unit, 69 Commando and Special Branch. He said that besides the main meeting location, security controls will also be extended to other important areas, such as the KL International Airport and Subang Airport. 'Security control will also be implemented at the delegates' accommodation locations and certain zones around the delegation arrival area, which will be gazetted as restricted or semi-restricted areas,' he said.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan Pahang extend condolences over death of nine FRU members
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, expressed their condolences to the families of nine members of the Federal Reserve Force (FRU) who were killed in a road crash in Teluk Intan, Perak, yesterday. The royal couple, in a post on Facebook today, said the loss of the national heroes was not only felt by their families and colleagues, but also touched the hearts of all the people and members of the security forces who are always dedicated to their duties. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of all the national heroes who have sacrificed their lives and shown high commitment in carrying out their duties as security personnel,' they said. Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah also prayed that the souls of all of them be blessed by Allah SWT and placed among the believers. 'May their families be blessed with fortitude, strength and divine protection in facing this very difficult moment,' according to the post. The incident occurred around 8.50 am when a truck carrying 18 FRU personnel was returning to Ipoh from an assignment in Teluk Intan and was rammed by the gravel-laden lorry along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam. Nine FRU personnel were killed in the crash, two were seriously injured, and seven others sustained minor injuries The final honours for nine FRU personnel were held in accordance with Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) ceremonial protocols at the FRU Unit 5 base in Sungai Senam here at 3.46 am today. The caskets, draped with the Jalur Gemilang, arrived at the ceremony from the Hilir Perak district police headquarters (IPD), accompanied by full police honours. More than 500 individuals, comprising next of kin and police personnel, gathered to witness the final farewell for the fallen heroes before the remains were then transported to their respective hometowns for burial.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
Pahang Sultan extend condolences over death of nine FRU members
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, expressed their condolences to the families of nine members of the Federal Reserve Force (FRU) who were killed in a road crash in Teluk Intan, Perak, yesterday. The royal couple, in a post on Facebook today, said the loss of the national heroes was not only felt by their families and colleagues, but also touched the hearts of all the people and members of the security forces who are always dedicated to their duties. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of all the national heroes who have sacrificed their lives and shown high commitment in carrying out their duties as security personnel,' they said. Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah also prayed that the souls of all of them be blessed by Allah SWT and placed among the believers. 'May their families be blessed with fortitude, strength and divine protection in facing this very difficult moment,' according to the post. The incident occurred around 8.50 am when a truck carrying 18 FRU personnel was returning to Ipoh from an assignment in Teluk Intan and was rammed by the gravel-laden lorry along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam. Nine FRU personnel were killed in the crash, two were seriously injured, and seven others sustained minor injuries The final honours for nine FRU personnel were held in accordance with Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) ceremonial protocols at the FRU Unit 5 base in Sungai Senam here at 3.46 am today. The caskets, draped with the Jalur Gemilang, arrived at the ceremony from the Hilir Perak district police headquarters (IPD), accompanied by full police honours. More than 500 individuals, comprising next of kin and police personnel, gathered to witness the final farewell for the fallen heroes before the remains were then transported to their respective hometowns for burial.
