Balochistan bans hides collection by proscribed outfits

The Balochistan government has imposed a province-wide ban on the collection of sacrificial animal hides by proscribed organisations ahead of Eidul Azha, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to review security, sanitation and waste disposal arrangements for the upcoming Eid holidays.

The meeting was attended by senior civil and law enforcement officials, including the chief secretary, inspector general of police, divisional commissioners and local government representatives.

Officials briefed the meeting that Quetta has been divided into five operational zones, where 15 collection points have been established for the disposal of sacrificial waste. An estimated 4,294 tonnes of waste are expected to be generated in the provincial capital during the three days of Eid.

Authorities said a comprehensive cleanliness operation has been approved, with machinery and sanitation teams placed on standby to ensure the timely collection and disposal of animal remains. Additional machinery will also be hired for divisional and district headquarters across the province.

A detailed security plan has also been finalised for Eid congregations. According to officials, prayers will be offered at 54 major Eidgahs and mosques in Quetta, while a dedicated control room has been set up to monitor the security situation and coordinate response efforts.

The chief minister directed divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, police officials and district administrations to ensure close coordination for the smooth implementation of all Eid-related arrangements.

Bugti also instructed the police chief to guarantee foolproof security at mosques and Eidgahs across the province, particularly in major urban centres and district headquarters.

Emphasising the importance of sanitation, the chief minister ordered authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns regarding the proper disposal of sacrificial waste and cleanliness during Eid.

He said visible improvements in sanitation and municipal services should be witnessed in Quetta and other major cities during the Eid holidays, adding that assistant commissioners should use mosque and Eidgah loudspeakers to encourage public cooperation in the cleanliness drive.

The provincial government said the measures are aimed at ensuring a safe, secure and clean environment for citizens celebrating Eidul Azha across Balochistan.