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QUETTA: The Balochistan apex committee has decided to constitute a powerful inquiry commission to investigate the gun-and-suicide attack on the Police Training College, Quetta, that claimed the lives of 63 cadets.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the provincial apex committee presided over by Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri here on Wednesday. It was attended by Commander of Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz, Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah, Inspector General of Police Ahsan Mehboob, Frontier Corps Inspector General Maj Gen Sher Afgun and senior officials of security agencies.
According to sources, security officials briefed the meeting on the tragic incident, overall law and order situation and security measures taken for the security of Quetta and other towns and cities of Balochistan.
The apex committee decided to give powers to the inquiry commission and include officials of the institutions concerned in it. The commission will investigate all aspects of the incident and determine the elements responsible for the attack on the police training centre and submit its report to the government.
The apex committee decided to evolve a new strategy and policy to prevent suicide attacks, acts of terrorism and other such incidents in the province.
The institutions and authorities concerned have been issued directives in this regard.
It was decided that collaboration between the army and police would be further strengthened and refresher courses arranged under the army for capacity building of police against terrorism.
Acknowledging the sacrifices rendered by police, the committee emphasised the need for boosting the morale of the police force.
The participants of the meeting agreed that in view of the current law and order situation and security challenges, the government would not tolerate any ignorance from any side.
In a related development, the provincial government set up a high-level committee to investigate the attack. A Balochistan police spokesman said the committee comprised senior officials of law enforcement agencies.
Published in Dawn October 27th, 2016
