‘NATO resources needed for security’

Balochistan govt urges Nato generals to provide resources to police, Balochistan Levies to reinforce safety of cargo.

QUETTA: The provincial government has urged Nato generals to provide resources to police and Balochistan Levies to reinforce the safety of oil tankers and vehicles hauling supplies for international coalition troops in Afghanistan.

The plan was devised after attacks on Nato supply vehicles intensified recently. As many as 109 oil tankers have been damaged or destroyed. At least 33 drivers and cleaners are reported to have been killed in 43 attacks between 2009 and October 19 this year. Most of the attacks took place on the outskirts of Quetta, Killa Abdullah, Pishin, Sibi, Bolan, Mastung, Khuzdar, Kalat and Naseerabad districts.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani stated that he had briefed top US diplomats and other officials concerned regarding the fresh security plan and the provincial government was now awaiting for Nato and Isaf officials’ response. According to the security plan, the police and Levies personnel will escort Nato vehicles in all districts.

Military officials and diplomats from Nato and Isaf countries have held three meetings over the past week. The home secretary ruled out the influence of Taliban in any area of the province and said that in some cases drivers and contractors were also involved in carrying out these attacks to claim insurance money, and also to make extra cash by selling fuel and hardware. “Some attacks were carried out by highwaymen and militants,” he disclosed.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2010.