Police Amendment Act gives sweeping powers to CM

PESHAWAR: The KP assembly on Monday approved the Police Amendment Act 2024 that gives sweeping to the chief minister as regard to the force.

Under the amended law, transfers and postings of officers in BPS 18 and above in the police would be made with the approval of the chief minister. The police would have to follow directions and steps taken by the chief minister as regard to law and order in the province.

An MNA will be appointed in place of the additional sessions judge in the Provincial Public Safety Commission. There will be seven MPAs in the commission – four from the ruling party and three form the opposition parties. The names of the MPAs would be selected by the speaker of the assembly  

Speaking on the floor of the assembly, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that this act is to improve the performance of the police and ensure the protection of the lives and property of the people.

He stated that law and order was the top priority of the provincial government, which was only possible if the police was strengthened to the desired level. The provincial government is taking steps on a priority basis to strengthen the police and align it with contemporary requirements.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police for protecting the lives and property of the people, he said the police had made immense sacrifices in the line of duty, and the government highly values these sacrifices. He assured that all the issues faced by the police force would be resolved on a priority basis.