Loralai committee tightens security for national days, keeps ban on urea and blasting

LORALAI: A key meeting of the District Intelligence Coordination Committee was held under Loralai Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Muhammad Haseeb Shuja. SSP Dr Fahad Ahmed, Major Kamran, Additional Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ismail Mengal and representatives of intelligence agencies and other law enforcement and security bodies attended.

The meeting reviewed in detail the overall Law and Order situation in the district, security concerns, the protection of sensitive government installations and security arrangements for the coming national days. The intelligence agencies presented the latest report on possible threats. In light of this, law enforcement agencies were directed to make security measures more effective and to review police strength, weapons and other resources afresh. They were also directed to strengthen coordination with the Frontier Corps (FC), hold joint drills at sensitive installations and complete the security audit of key government installations across the district soon.

The meeting agreed to make the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals more effective, step up action against illegal cannabis cultivation, continue coordinated operations against smuggling, ensure the safe transport of minerals and further strengthen the security of workers and machinery on development projects in remote areas.

Ban on urea and blasting remains

In view of the current security situation, the forum decided to keep the ban on the transport of explosive material and on blasting. It also directed strict enforcement of the ban on the sale, transport and supply of urea fertiliser until further orders from the Home Department of the Balochistan government. It also expressed its resolve to continue action against illegal arms dealers without discrimination and to end their Business completely.

The meeting directed that the security of judicial officers, courts, hospitals, the university, colleges, schools and other sensitive government institutions be made more effective. All educational institutions were told to prepare comprehensive security plans for national days and to stay in constant contact with law enforcement agencies. The forum decided that no rally, procession or large public gathering would be allowed without a proper security plan, the required security arrangements and an affidavit of responsibility. Unnecessary public gatherings at recreational spots will be discouraged.

Heads of all departments were directed to make their security in-charges aware of the possible danger of terrorists reaching sensitive places disguised in official vehicles, ambulances or other vehicles of an official kind. They were also directed to ensure strict checking, identity verification and effective implementation of standard security procedures in all government offices.

The meeting expressed concern that limited participation of public representatives in national events, open courts, redress of public complaints and other public outreach activities could hinder the building of trust between the people and state institutions. The forum called the active participation of public representatives essential.

At the end of the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all the departments concerned to ensure that the decisions were implemented in full. He also directed that effective coordination between institutions, timely sharing of information and coordinated action be made more effective, so that lasting Law and Order is maintained in the district, the lives and property of the people are protected and the writ of the state is further strengthened.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan