Balochistan strife: CJ orders thinner security detail for politicians

Says security agencies should act against those sabotaging peace.

QUETTA:

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday ordered a smaller security detail for Balochistan-based parliamentarians and politicians while freeing up extra Levies force personnel for routine security work.

The chief justice passed the order when provincial Home Secretary Naseebullah Khan Bazai pointed out that many members of the Levies paramilitary force – who are responsible for maintaining law and order in certain parts of the province – were not performing their duties. Instead, Bazai said, they were part of the security contingent of certain ministers as well as provincial and National Assembly members.

Balochistan Advocate General Amanullah Kanrani supported Bazai’s assertion, leading the CJ to direct the withdrawal of extra number of Levies Force personnel from the security entourages of these politicians.

Earlier the chief justice voiced dissatisfaction with the Balochistan police inspector general and provincial home secretary and directed concerned authorities to ensure the security of people and their property without discrimination. He also proposed a major crackdown against elements that are creating a law and order situation in Balochistan. Law enforcement agencies should go at full throttle against those sabotaging peace in the province.

The chief justice made these remarks while hearing a suo motu case against the kidnapping of senior psychiatrist Dr Ghulam Rasool. He termed the report of Dr Rasool’s recovery unsatisfactory. He remarked that kidnapped people were being freed after paying ransoms or through mediation by tribal elders but not by law enforcement agencies.

During the proceedings, it also came to light that many kidnappers utilised smuggled vehicles in their attempts. In this regard, the CJ directed the excise secretary to compile a comprehensive report detailing vehicles registered through the Excise and Taxation Department in the province. The chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue was also summoned for the next hearing and asked to submit a report regarding the number of vehicles which have been impounded due to non-payment of export duty and the preventive measures taken against the smuggling of vehicles in the country. (With additional input from APP)


Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2012.