Balochistan to replace FC with civilian forces

Around 5,000 police and Levies personnel are trained to take place of the FC

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to replace paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) – which is deployed in the province in aid of civilian law enforcing agencies – with a newly trained civilian force, including police and Levies.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said civilian forces will replace the FC in the next one and a half years.

“The FC will be sent back to the borders,” he said, adding that the FC was called in to maintain public order in major parts of the province due to the deteriorating law and order situation.

According to the home department, as many as 12 platoons and 11 wings of the FC are deputed in different parts of Balochistan to aid the police and Levies.

Durrani said at least 5,000 personnel – including officers and lady constables – of police and Balochistan Levies will be trained by army officers during the next one and a half years and they will replace the FC.

He said the first batch of a Combat Force has assumed duty while others are being trained.

“The new batch of the Combat Force graduated on February 19 in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. At least 200 policemen were trained to combat terrorism, including 18 lady constables and officers,” he added

He said Balochistan spends 150 million rupees monthly on the FC which is a burden on its frail economy.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2015.