Province-Wide Protests Force Reinstatement of Levies Force in Chaman; Strong Opposition Persists Against Merger into Police
Massive protests have erupted across various districts of Balochistan, including Qila Saifullah and Chaman, against the government’s decision to merge the Levies Force into the police. The movement—led by political parties, traders, and civil society—has now resulted in the restoration of the Levies Force’s control in Chaman district, according to local sources.
In Qila Saifullah, a complete shutter-down strike was observed on Sunday following the call of the Central Traders Association and the Organizational Traders Association. All markets, shops, and business centers in the city and adjoining areas remained closed in protest. Traders termed the merger decision “unjust, unconstitutional, and against the interests of the people,” reiterating that the Levies Force represents Balochistan’s local identity and public trust.
Meanwhile, in Chaman, the All Parties Traders Alliance organized a large demonstration joined by representatives of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Jamiat Nazriyati, Jamaat-e-Islami, Mazloom Olasi Tehreek, PTM, Barkzai Qaumi Ittehad, and numerous traders and social activists. Protesters marched through major roads before holding a public gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
Speakers condemned the decision, declaring that the Levies Force has long served as a trusted local institution maintaining peace and order. They demanded that the existing Levies system be retained, and any decision about its future be made only after consultation with elected representatives.
Participants also raised concerns about the issuance of special entry cards for Chaman border crossings and urged the government to ensure the restoration of local employment in trade and border-related activities.
Earlier, the National Party’s central spokesperson had also criticized the merger plan, terming it an attempt to erase a historically significant and community-rooted institution. The party stressed that strengthening local institutions like the Levies—through modern training, better pay, and improved facilities—was the real path to sustainable peace and governance in Balochistan.
By late Sunday night, sources confirmed that the Levies Force has been reinstated in Chaman district, returning administrative control from police back to Levies. Observers view this as a major outcome of the widespread political and public resistance seen in recent days.
