May 27, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 24,1424

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QUETTA, May 26: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousaf on Monday expressed displeasure over the performance of the law enforcement agencies.

Presiding over a meeting being held to review the law and order situation in the province, he said that despite having all necessary resources and equipment the performance of the district administration and police officers was not up to the mark.

“The law and order situation in the province is not satisfactory,” he said.

He said the government would not tolerate any hurdle in upholding the supremacy of law and its implementation and strict action would be taken against district administration and police officials found negligent in performing their duties.

It was decided that all ‘no-go areas’ near the provincial borders would be cleared and action in this connection would be taken soon.

The chief minister said maintenance of law and order, protection of the life and property of the people and good governance were the top priorities of the government and the district Nazims and officials concerned should play their role in this connection.

He said maintenance of law and order was the responsibility of the government and the administration and police officers were accountable to it regarding their performance.

“The police and other authorities concerned must deal with the criminals, anti-social elements and law breakers with an iron hand and not spare anyone,” he said.

He said there should be close coordination between district Nazims and officials.

He said the government had decided to suspend those officials who did not fulfil their responsibilities.

The chief minister said the elements that supported criminals for destabilizing elected governments should be identified.

He said that in view of the conditions of Balochistan, the National Reconstruction Bureau would be consulted for some changes in the local bodies system to improve law and order in the province.

Home Minister Sardar Sanaullah Zahri said the government had the ability to deal with the law breakers regardless of their social and political status.

He said the “no-go areas” along the border were causing law and order problems. However, he said, the government had decided not to allow such areas.

Chief Secretary Mohammad Asharf, Home Secretary Dr Badaruddin Ujan, the inspector-general of police and district administration officials presented their reports in the meeting.

The meeting will continue till Wednesday.