Strict cross-border movement ban urged

Balochistan officials warn of action against human traffickers, facilitators

QUETTA: Liaison Assistant to Balochistan Chief Minister and focal person for coronavirus prevention Mir Umair Mohammad Hassani has warned of strict action against those involved in human trafficking along the country’s borders with Iran and Afghanistan in Balochistan. In a statement issued here, Hassani said the declaration of a health emergency and the immediate closure of all entry and exit points on the borders with the two countries were intended to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, adding that if illegal immigrants were found in the province, legal action would be taken against the concerned people and transport company.

It must be mentioned here that, due to the coronavirus alert across the country, cross-border movement with the two countries has been suspended.

“The provincial government is making all-out efforts to combat the coronavirus menace in Balochistan under Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani’s leadership. No one will be allowed to play with people’s lives”, Hassani said.

Separately, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove has also expressed his concern over illegal border crossings into the province via different routes and has sought a report from the concerned authorities.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2020.