Quetta to have 2,900 CCTVs

The Balochistan government has approved the installation of 2,900 advanced surveillance cameras across Quetta as part of the Quetta Integrated Security Project aimed at strengthening policing and improving the city's security system.

The decision was taken at a high-level security and policing meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

Officials told the meeting that the new surveillance network would be developed under the Quetta Green Digital Corridor. The project is designed to enhance monitoring, strengthen counterterrorism measures and enable security agencies to respond more quickly to emergencies and security incidents.

The government also approved the establishment of additional Quick Response Force (QRF) stations in Quetta to improve the police response to security threats and other emergencies.

The Balochistan Police will undergo further modernization, with officers and personnel to receive advanced training, equipment and other resources to improve their ability to deal with terrorism and emerging security challenges.

Additional Chief Secretary Home and the Inspector General of Balochistan Police briefed the meeting on the province's overall security situation and ongoing policing initiatives.

The meeting was also informed about measures to improve police discipline and accountability. Officials said 871 police personnel had been dismissed over absenteeism and negligence.

In another administrative measure, the services of 1,005 police personnel deployed with various personalities were withdrawn and the personnel were sent back to the police department.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti directed the authorities to ensure that police personnel were provided with the training, equipment and support needed to effectively counter terrorism.

"If the police are deployed to fight terrorism, they must also be given full support," Bugti said, reaffirming the provincial government's backing for police and security forces working to maintain peace in Balochistan.

The chief minister also called for tighter control over non-development expenditures and urged officials to redirect available resources towards projects and measures benefiting the public.