Apex committee reviews Afghan repatriation drive

QUETTA:

The Provincial Apex Committee, in its 21st meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, conducted a comprehensive review of the province's security landscape, governance reforms, and ongoing development efforts, underscoring significant progress in enforcing the writ of the state.

The high-level forum was briefed that 721,000 Afghan migrants have been repatriated from Balochistan as part of intensified operations targeting illegally residing foreign nationals. Additionally, nearly one million individuals have returned to Afghanistan through various transit points in the province. These figures highlight the scale of Pakistan's ongoing repatriation initiative amid concerns over border security and regional stability.

The committee expressed strong condemnation of the misuse of Afghan territory for hostile activities directed against Pakistan. It commended the army for its robust defensive posture and swift responses to emerging threats, while reaffirming full confidence in the national leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff.

Ongoing crackdowns on illegally residing foreigners continue, with authorities offering a Rs50,000 reward for credible, verified information leading to actionable outcomes. Anti-narcotics measures have been intensified, resulting in 330 individuals being placed on the Fourth Schedule due to their involvement in poppy cultivation.

The meeting noted departmental proceedings against nine officers accused of actions detrimental to state interests, with show-cause notices issued as part of the dismissal process. The committee welcomed the increasing separation of family members from terrorist networks as a positive development.

The Federal Investigation Agency updated the forum on its operations against hawala-hundi networks and extortion rackets in Balochistan, reporting 24 arrests and convictions in 16 cases. Members acknowledged the agency's enhanced performance and urged continued aggressive enforcement.

In the education sector, authorities reported that 200,000 out-of-school children were enrolled in institutions over the past year. Biometric attendance systems are now operational in 10 out of 12 public universities, with approved plans to extend the initiative to colleges and schools province-wide.

Addressing the committee, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of resolute state policies in strengthening law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a unified, uncompromising stance against terrorism.

Bugti pointed to expanding merit-based opportunities as a beacon of hope for underprivileged families, citing the recent selection of five children of laborers into the Pakistan Air Force as a landmark achievement.