Zardari calls for enhanced capacity of LEAs in Balochistan

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised the need to enhance the capacity of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), appoint competent officers in Balochistan, and improve the prosecution mechanism to counter terrorist elements in the province effectively.

The president expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the security and law-and-order situation in Balochistan, held in Gwadar on Thursday.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, MNA Malik Shah Gorgaij, Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langov, MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, and senior civil and military officials also attended the meeting.

The president was briefed on the overall security situation of the province and the role of LEAs in successfully countering terrorist attacks in various districts of Balochistan.

He was informed that the provincial government had adopted a targeted approach to improve the security and law-and-order situation in Balochistan. The initiatives taken by the LEAs were noted to have improved the security situation in the province. 

The president was also told that the provincial government was taking steps to provide foolproof security to Chinese and foreign nationals.

Read more: Bilawal meets PM Shehbaz over Budget 2024-25 concerns

President Zardari appreciated the efforts of the provincial government and the sacrifices of the LEAs in combating terrorism. He emphasised the need to improve the prosecution system to ensure that terrorist elements could not escape justice.

He also called for enhanced compensation for the families of LEA martyrs in Balochistan, bringing it at par with the rest of the provinces. 

The president stressed the importance of posting competent and brave police officials in Balochistan to improve the law-and-order situation. Additionally, he called for effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Zaireen.

Highlighting the need to improve the socio-economic conditions in Balochistan, President Zardari called for a focus on skill development for the people and the production of more skilled professionals. 

He suggested enhancing the capacity of training institutions to produce more trained human resources and equipping them with foreign language skills to help them find jobs abroad.

The president further emphasised promoting the fishing industry in Balochistan by providing financing and equipment to local fishermen, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and checking the production of illegal fishing nets.

Read more: Omar Ayub condemns Budget 2024-25 as ‘economic terrorism’

During the meeting, the president stated that political dialogue was essential to bring prosperity, development, and peace to Balochistan. The meeting also urged the completion of the Kachhi Canal project to fulfill the province's food requirements.

CM Bugti thanked the president for visiting Gwadar, stating that it would give the people of Balochistan a sense of ownership and strengthen the resolve of the LEAs to eliminate terrorism. 

He informed that the provincial government prioritised the capacity building of police and levies. He underscored the importance of equipping people residing in border areas of Balochistan with marketable skills to help them find employment both in the country and abroad.

CM Bugti highlighted that all stakeholders needed to make collective efforts to stamp out terrorism and evolve a national consensus for the development of Balochistan.