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QUETTA, Nov 13 (APP):The Balochistan Provincial Apex Committee approved a stringent crackdown on organized crimes, targeting extortion, gold smuggling, money laundering and white-collar offenses across the province.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti presided over the committee’s 20th session, held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Corps Commander Quetta, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmad Khan.
The meeting reviewed the overall security situation in the province, the progress of development projects, and various matters of public interest.
The committee reviewed and endorsed the progress made on the implementation of decisions from the previous Apex Committee meeting.
The committee ordered a province-wide operation against organizations involved in extortion, gold smuggling, Hawala/Hundi (trust-based money transfer system bypassing legal avenues), and money laundering.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Balochistan’s current efforts and directed it to accelerate and enhance operations against white-collar crime and extortion.
The forum underlined that a complete ban was imposed on hate speech and anti-state publications, with instructions to all agencies to continue coordinated efforts to eliminate such content.
The committee vowed that strict action against poppy cultivation and individuals involved in the cultivation, trade, or sale of poppy will be placed on the Fourth Schedule, signaling a zero-tolerance policy.
To improve healthcare access in underserved areas, the committee mandated that MBBS graduates must serve in their home districts for three years. This initiative aims to strengthen rural health infrastructure and ensure equitable medical services across Balochistan.
The committee also tackled the issue of low gas pressure in Quetta, which has caused widespread public discomfort. Immediate directives were issued to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to resolve complaints promptly.
On the issue, CM Bugti announced that a formal letter would be sent to the Federal Ministry regarding gas load-shedding concerns.
Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the government’s security measures are delivering results and vowed to intensify actions against all forms of organized crime:
“Anti-state and hateful content will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed.
He expressed satisfaction with completed projects under the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives (BSDI) and directed officials to ensure the timely completion of ongoing schemes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to rural healthcare, reinforcing the need for mandatory service by medical graduates.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to strengthen civil-military coordination to maintain peace and stability across the province.
The meeting was also attended by Provincial Ministers Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, and other senior civil and military officials.