Jail operation yields drugs, cellphones, TV sets

Home minister Langove says committee will investigate irregularities in prisons

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove has said search operations will be launched in all prisons of the province following the one carried out at the Quetta District Jail in which a large quantity of prohibited items, including narcotics were found to be in use of the prisoners.

“Fourteen employees have been suspended while 25 televisions, 295 mobile phones, 1,050 grams of heroin, 290 grams of crystal meth and 200 grams of hashish have been recovered in the grand operation,” said Langove during a news conference at the Quetta District Jail the other day. He was accompanied by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Imran Khan Zarkoon.

Langove said that reform work will begin in prisons once the report of the assembly is received by the Home Department.  A committee led by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) will investigate irregularities in prisons.

“Fourteen employees of District Jail Quetta have been suspended for negligence,” Langove informed.

He said the medical officer of jail is also suspended over irregularities as secretary home, IG prison were unaware about the illegal practices of the lower staff.

He said the operation in the jail should have been conducted earlier; however, it still is a laudable initiative by the administration.

“The same operation will be conducted in all the prisons of the province,” Langove maintained.

The officer involved in the process will also be prosecuted but it’s unlikely that the high level officers are involved in the case, he added.

“The supply of gas in jail, elimination of load shedding, food quality has been ensured through Food Authority, with the help of PDM in the prison. Poor prisoners have been provided with clothes, blankets, shoes,” he said.

Langove also said that the provincial government is taking all necessary measures to ensure provision of facilities to prisoners at province’s district and central jails, adding that skill and social development training is also being provided to inmates

He shared these views on Thursday while visiting Central Jail in Mach.

“Facilities are being provided to all prisoners in central and district jails following the jail manuals while the provincial government is also utilising all resources for jail’s security,” Langove said.

Mach Jail superintendent briefed the minister regarding security facilities and various training courses on the occasion.

Langove directed jail officers and superintendent to use their powers to prevent illegal activities inside the prison.

Sharing views on Tuesday’s blast in Quetta, the Home Minister said no one would be allowed to spoil peace in Balochistan.

“Security arrangements across the province have been beefed-up following the McCaughey Road blast,” he said. “Enemies are attempting to disturb peace in the province by targeting innocent citizens but their vicious attempts will be defeated,” Langove added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2020.