The draft of the ‘Police Commission Ordinance, 2025’ has already been finalised.
The draft is expected to be sent to the advisory council for approval within the next few days, according to sources familiar with the process.
‘If approved, the Police Commission will mark a major step toward ensuring transparency, professionalism, and public trust in police,’ the sources said.
A committee of advisers, led by law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, has prepared the draft outlining the structure, powers, and functions of the commission.
Police reform was one of the key issues included in the July National Charter following consensus among political parties.
The ordinance proposed a retired Supreme Court judge to serve as the chairman of the commission, which will be comprised of a retired district judge, a retired senior government officer, grade-2 or above, a retired police officer of at least additional inspector general rank, a retired principal of the Police Academy, a working or retired law or criminology professor, and a human rights activist with at least 15 years of experience.
The chairman will hold the rank equivalent to a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, and members will hold the rank of High Court Division judges.
Each member will appointed for four-year term without eligibility for reappointment.
The draft ordinance proposed that all authorities must comply with the commission’s instructions or recommendations within three months and report back after implementation. In case of any difficulties in implementing any recommendation, concerned authority will inform the commission within the same period for reconsideration and follow-up.
A seven-member selection committee- including a Supreme Court judge nominated by the chief justice, the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, representatives from both ruling and opposition parties, and others will recommend names of qualified persons for formation of the commission. The selection process must be completed within 30 days, with a minimum quorum of five members.
The ordinance also proposed in details the provisions for the commission’s establishment, administrative structure, terms of service, grounds for removal, police discipline and accountability, investigation into a complaint, resolve grievances of police personnel, and guidelines for the appointment of the police chief.