What is the Federal Constabulary?

The Central Reserve Force is a paramilitary security force that falls between the regular police and the army in terms of training, equipment, and powers. Unlike the police, it will have more resources, heavier gear, and advanced riot-control capabilities. However, unlike the army, its mandate will remain limited to internal security and domestic unrest rather than border defense.

In essence, this force has been designed to respond quickly to:

• Large-scale protests
• Political rallies and sit-ins
• Civil unrest and riots
• Threats to sensitive government buildings
• Emergencies where local police lack capacity

Purpose and Objectives

The government has outlined several key objectives behind the creation of the Central Paramilitary Police:

1. Maintain law and order in major cities – especially during protests or violent gatherings.
2. Assist police during emergencies where manpower or resources are insufficient.
3. Protect key government installations such as parliament, ministries, and courts.
4. Act as a rapid-response force for sudden outbreaks of violence.
5. Reinforce security during national events, political rallies, or public gatherings.

By creating this paramilitary force, the government aims to reduce dependency on the army for domestic issues.

Why Has Federal Constabulary Become Controversial?

The announcement of the Central Reserve Force has not gone uncontested. Several political parties, particularly PTI, have expressed deep concerns. Their criticisms include:

• Suppression of protests – Critics argue that this force is primarily being created to silence political dissent, especially at a time when opposition parties are planning mass protests.
• Duplication of duties – Pakistan already has police, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and other security agencies. Many believe another force will only add confusion.
• Risk of misuse – A specialized paramilitary unit under the federal government could be used for political purposes rather than public safety.
• Human rights violations – International observers warn that such forces, if not properly monitored, can lead to excessive use of force against unarmed citizens.

Comparison with Other Forces

Pakistan already has several security forces in place. Here is how the Federal Rapid Response Force compares with them:

This table highlights that the Central Reserve Force is intended to fill the gap between police and army in urban unrest scenarios.

The Government’s Stance

According to government officials, the creation of the Federal Rapid Response Force is a strategic decision. They argue:

• Police are overstretched with rising crime rates and political unrest.
• Army should not be deployed for civilian issues as it weakens democratic governance.
• Federal Constabulary will specialize in handling protests without disrupting routine policing.

The Interior Ministry insists that the force will operate under strict rules and accountability measures to prevent abuse.

Opposition’s Viewpoint

Opposition leaders, especially from PTI, view the Federal Rapid Response Force as a political tool. They argue that:

• It will be used to crush PTI’s protests and rallies planned after September.
• The government fears public gatherings and is preparing a “special squad” to control dissent.
• Instead of forming new forces, the state should focus on strengthening police reforms.

This has created an atmosphere of mistrust around the initiative.

Impact on Democracy and Civil Liberties

The debate around the Central Paramilitary Police goes beyond politics. It raises important questions about democracy and human rights in Pakistan.

• Freedom of Assembly: Citizens’ right to protest is a constitutional guarantee. If a force is deployed mainly to break up protests, it threatens civil liberties.
• Use of Force: Paramilitary units often rely on rubber bullets, tear gas, and even live ammunition, increasing risks of casualties.
• Public Trust: If people view the force as a tool of repression, trust between citizens and the state will weaken.

Therefore, the success or failure of this initiative will depend on how transparently the government manages it.

International Concerns

Human rights organizations and international observers are closely watching the creation of the Central Paramilitary Police. Many draw parallels with similar forces in other countries that were used to suppress dissent. The EU and UN human rights bodies may raise questions if the force is seen targeting political opponents instead of protecting ordinary citizens.

Possible Benefits if Implemented Correctly

Despite the concerns, if managed responsibly, the Central Paramilitary Police could offer benefits:

• Reduce army deployment in cities.
• Provide professional crowd-control without compromising regular policing.
• Enhance quick response during emergencies.
• Strengthen internal security at the federal level.

The real challenge will be balancing security with democratic freedoms.

Conclusion

The creation of the Federal Constabulary is one of the most debated developments in Pakistan’s security landscape. While the government claims it is essential for law and order, opposition parties fear it is a weapon against political dissent. Its effectiveness will not be judged by how many protests it disperses but by whether it can uphold the rule of law without undermining democratic rights.

In the coming months, as protests and political rallies intensify, the role of the Federal Constabularey will become clearer. It has the potential to either restore public trust or deepen the divide between the government and the people.