Opposition blocks bill to upgrade Frontier Constabulary due to lack of quorum in National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: The opposition in the National Assembly on Thursday prevented the passage of a bill aimed at transforming the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into the Federal Constabulary, citing a lack of quorum in the House.

The bill, which was moved by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, sought to upgrade the FC—a border security force—into a federal entity. The proposed transformation was intended to empower the federal government to maintain law and order, support other law enforcement agencies, and address a range of security challenges in a coordinated manner.

The timing of the opposition's move coincided with the expiration of an ordinance promulgated by the president in July of the previous year. This ordinance had temporarily granted the federal government the authority to convert the FC into the Federal Constabulary. According to Tallal Chaudhry, the ordinance was extended for an additional 120 days in November, but it lapsed on Thursday, the same day the bill was blocked in the National Assembly.

Despite the setback, Minister Chaudhry expressed confidence that the bill would eventually pass through both Houses of Parliament. He stated that the upcoming sessions, likely to be convened after Eid, would provide another opportunity for the legislation to be approved.

The bill was introduced as part of a supplementary agenda during a session marked by the opposition's insistence on ensuring the required quorum was present before proceeding with legislative business. As a result, the lack of sufficient members in the House halted the legislative process for the proposed upgrade of the FC.

The Frontier Constabulary currently operates as a border security force. The proposed changes would have expanded its mandate and brought it under federal jurisdiction, enhancing its role in national security and law enforcement coordination.