Independent Report
QUETTA: The Provincial Apex Committee of Balochistan has decided to further intensify the ongoing anti-smuggling campaign, announcing strict action against transport companies involved in smuggling. The committee also directed for the finalization of the rules under the Anti-Terrorism Act in the province as soon as possible.
The committee clearly asserted that no highway in Balochistan will be allowed to be blocked under the pretext of protests, and that the state stands with the common man.
The 19th meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti here on Tuesday with Corps Commander Balochistan Lt. Gen. Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, along with other senior civil and military officials in attendance.
Key issues related to security, law and order, and public interest were discussed in detail.
The committee instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take effective action against those involved in illegal money transfers (hawala/hundi). It also decided to intensify action against social media accounts involved in anti-state propaganda.
The committee decided to completely curb extortion, to create a conducive environment for investment and business for mine owners.
It was also decided to strengthen action against illegal immigrants.
Police and Levies were directed to improve the response mechanism against terrorism, while the Home Department gave a briefing on the digitization of the Fourth Schedule process.
Regarding development projects, the Apex Committee made several key decisions:
The provincial government will itself construct the expansion of the national highway on the Bolan route and the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) was directed to complete the Western Bypass Quetta by December 25.
It was also decided to prevent LPG and petroleum tankers from entering urban areas.
Frontier Corps (FC) will provide security for the Pat Feeder Canal project in the Dera Bugti area.
Acceleration of the Chaman Master Plan and activation of District Development Committees were also decided.
The Apex Committee also resolved to celebrate the 78th Independence Day and Martyrs of Maarka-e-haq with full zeal and enthusiasm.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that strict action will be taken against those involved in smuggling, illegal money transfers, and extortion. He reiterated that no roads will be allowed to be blocked in the name of protest, stating, “The Constitution stands with the patient fighting for life in an ambulance.”
He directed the FIA to expedite action against those involved in subversion against the state, adding that corruption, illegal money transfers, and extortion must be completely eradicated. He emphasized the importance of keeping the youth away from subversive activities and drug abuse.
He made it clear that no one will be allowed to act against the state, and if the NHA causes delays in road construction or uses delaying tactics, the provincial government will build the roads itself in the public interest. In this regard, the provincial government will allocate Rs. 1.7 billion for the expansion and widening of the Bolan route. The NHA representative committed to starting the project by the end of this month and completing it within six months.
The Chief Minister stated that by fully implementing the decisions of the Apex Committee, Balochistan will be set on the path of sustainable development and lasting peace.
The meeting was attended by:
Chief Secretary, Shakeel Qadir Khan,
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat,
Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Zahid Saleem,
Inspector General Police Balochistan Moazzam Jah Ansari, besides other senior officials.
