Formation of new force planned

Published August 13, 2003

QUETTA, Aug 12: Establishment of a new law enforcement agency and the merger of Balochistan Reserve Police (BRP) with it is under consideration to control the law and order situation in the province.

This was stated by Inspector General of Police Shoaib Suddle, while briefing a high-level meeting here on Monday, which was presided over by Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf.

The IGP said that the force, Balochistan Constabulary, would comprise 10,000 personnel and would be trained and equipped in a three year time. Moreover, he said, it would work under the provincial head of the police.

He said that initially 4,000 personnel of the BRP would become part of the force and 6,000 others would be recruited, trained, and equipped with latest armoury.

The IGP said that the force would be deployed in seven zones and assist the police and Balochistan Levies when needed.

The meeting discussed the formation of the new force in detail and observed that it was necessary. However, it was decided that owing to financial constraints the federal government would be approached for monetary help.

Chief Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Nasar, Inspector General of the Frontier Corps, Balochistan, Maj-Gen Syed Saddaqat Ali Shah, Home Secretary Khawaja Sadiq Akbar, Finance Secretary Zahid Mehmood and Balochistan Levies Director-General Shoukat Changezi also attended the meeting.

PTCL UNION: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) Employees Union Central Chairman Zulfiqar Ali has threatened the government with jamming the whole telecommunication system in the country if any harm is caused to employees who have been observing fast unto death strike for the last eight days.

Speaking at a Press Conference here on Monday, he said the government would be responsible for any untoward situation in case the whole communication system was jammed.

He announced that a tool down strike would be observed for two hours from Aug 13 throughout the country while a hunger strike camp would be set up in support of the PTCL Quetta employees.

He demanded immediate and unconditional release of the arrested employees and withdrawal of fake cases registered against them by National Accountability Bureau and Regional Accountability Bureau.

Mr Zulfiqar Ali said that all these tactics were being used to pave the way for downsizing in the organization which was soon going to be privatized.

A central leader of the Balochistan National Movement and member of the provincial assembly, Mir Jan Mohammad Buladi, also spoke on the occasion and strongly criticized the role of NAB and RAB.

He said that all these actions were nothing but political victimization.

RELIEF CHEQUE: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali handed over Rs50 million relief cheque to Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf, here on Tuesday, adds APP.

He assured that the federal government would extend maximum assistance and cooperation for the rehabilitation of flood- affected people. Mr Jamali asked the provincial government to begin rehabilitation activities in remote areas.

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