Improving law and order: FC’s footprint to be reduced in Balochistan

Says govt has removed half of all check-posts and pickets.

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said his government had removed 50% unnecessary check-posts of paramilitary troops and pickets following an improvement in the law and order situation of the province.

However, Baloch also said that FC posts will still be retained in sensitive areas to maintain the law and order situation in Balochistan.

FC’s role has been roundly criticised by different quarters since they were called by the government to provide security to different towns and cities in Balochistan. The paramilitary troops are mainly responsible for guarding the frontier regions.  They have recently also been given policing powers for a month.



After offering Eid prayers at Chief Minister Secretariat, Dr Malik told the media that law and order was improving in Balochistan. “The federal government has evidence about the alleged involvement of India in fuelling violence in Balochistan,” he said when asked if India is behind the terrorism in the province.

He said the FC check posts are being removed and his government is coming up with a strategy to equip the Balochistan Levies force with sophisticated weapons and tools so they can be brought forward to deal with the law and order in the province. The indigenous forces will be an absolute replacement once the situation is under control.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2013.