Balochistan secretary: Durrani promises revamp of security forces

Says that special force will help curb terrorism and ensure action against the culprits.

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Secretary Captain (retd) Akbar Hussain Durrani said on Tuesday that a special force of over 300 personnel has been set up to prevent targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, and other terrorist activities. He also said the Levies force has been equipped with modern gear, weapons and uniforms.

Durrani spoke of these developments while providing the divisional commissioners of the Levies force with vehicles. He said the training of the Levies force is being focused on converting them into a modern force that can effectively deal with future security challenges.

Furthermore, he said the government of Balochistan is ready to tackle any kind of challenge and is providing the law enforcement agencies with all necessary facilities and technologies. Training centres will be promoted in all divisions to strengthen the investigation system of the Levies force.

The establishment of the special force will not only help control terrorism, but also ensure that action is taken against the culprits.

The home secretary also stated that the first priority of the government is to restore the confidence of the people in the law enforcement agencies. This is only possible if these forces improve their work and are able to ensure security and peace.

Durrani added that no one should be allowed to violate the law, or be considered above it. For this reason, the police, Frontier Corps and Levies have been given a free hand and directed to perform their duties without any external pressure.

On the occasion, the Sibi division was provided 3 vehicles, 4 for the Zhob division, 8 for Quetta, and 2 for Naseerabad, and one for the Mekran division. During the last fiscal year, Mekran received 11 vehicles, Kalat 26, Sibi 13, Zhob 18, Quetta 20 and Naseerabad 14.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2013.