Balochistan reviews security situation amid rising kidnapping cases

QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Tuesday reviewed the overall security situation in the province and voiced serious concern over an increase in kidnapping for ransom cases during a meeting chaired by Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langove.

The meeting also took up the government’s recently introduced head money policy aimed at securing the arrest of most wanted terrorists and criminals in Balochistan. Participants examined the implementation of the provincial government’s broader law and order policy and discussed a range of proposals for ensuring its effective enforcement.

Provincial Education Minister Raheela Durrani, DIG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, and senior officials of the Home Department attended the session. Officials briefed the participants on progress made under the policy as well as the future course of action.

According to the discussion at the meeting, the provincial administration is focusing on steps linked to law and order and the enforcement of decisions already taken by the government. The review covered the prevailing security environment in the province, with particular attention to the issue of abductions for ransom.

Law and order termed top priority

Speaking at the meeting, Langove said restoration of law and order in Balochistan remained the government’s foremost priority and that all available resources were being used for that purpose.

He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of government decisions so that the lives and property of the public could be protected. The meeting was told that work under the policy was under way and that officials had also outlined the next steps before the participants.

The session brought together senior members of the provincial government and security officials to assess the current situation and review measures already announced by the administration. The discussion on the head money policy formed part of the wider review of efforts to improve security and strengthen action against wanted militants and criminals in the province.

The concern expressed over kidnapping for ransom cases came as the government assessed the effectiveness of its law and order strategy and considered suggestions for better implementation. The meeting did not only review the current security picture but also heard official briefings on progress and the planned way forward under the policy framework already introduced by the provincial government.

Langove further instructed the authorities concerned to strictly enforce government decisions aimed at safeguarding people’s lives and property.