QUETTA: The Balochistan Apex Committee has resolved to launch a comprehensive crackdown on individuals involved in extortion, gold smuggling, illegal hundi/hawala businesses, and money laundering.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Balochistan, the committee directed the agency to intensify and enhance the effectiveness of its operations against white-collar crimes and extortion.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti chaired the 20th meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Commander Balochistan Corps Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmad Khan, provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, and senior civil and military officials.
The committee reviewed the overall security situation, progress on development projects, and other matters of public interest. It also evaluated the implementation of decisions from the previous meeting and expressed satisfaction with measures taken to maintain law and order and strengthen the state’s authority. The committee decided to impose a complete ban on anti-state and hate-promoting publications, deeming such materials detrimental to national security. Relevant departments were instructed to continue coordinated actions under a comprehensive strategy to curb these activities.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti stated that actions taken to restore peace in Balochistan were yielding positive results and that operations against extortion, gold smuggling, money laundering, and white-collar crimes would be intensified without discrimination. He emphasised that anti-state and hate-inciting content would not be tolerated under any circumstances and commended the efforts made to curb such material.
The CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in rural areas, stating that doctors must serve in their home districts for a minimum of three years. He also directed strict legal action against those involved in poppy cultivation to eradicate the practice completely. Bugti noted that, under the BSDI, essential public facilities were being provided across the province, and the government would ensure the timely completion of all development projects.
Expressing concern over low gas pressure in Quetta, he instructed the General Manager of SSGC to resolve the issue promptly and announced that a formal communication would be sent to the federal ministry regarding gas load-shedding. He reaffirmed that coordination between civil and military institutions was being further strengthened to maintain peace, progress, and stability in the province. The meeting commenced with prayers for the martyrs of the security forces.