QUETTA: A meeting presided over by Balochistan Chief Secretary Fazeel Asghar has decided to launch intelligence-based combing operations in the province to arrest elements involved in two bomb blasts which targeted rallies organised to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day in Quetta and Sibi recently.

The meeting also reviewed the overall law and order situation in the province and decided to take strict security measures against anti-peace elements.

Additional Chief Secretary Home Hafiz Abdul Basit, Inspector General of Balochistan Police Tahir Hussain Rai, Commissioner of Quetta division Asfandyar Kakar, the Quetta’s CCPO, Quetta Deputy Commissioner retired Major Aurangzeb Badini and other security officials attended the meeting.

The officials concerned briefed the meeting about the bomb blasts and the progress in the investigation into them.

The two bomb blasts in the rallies in Quetta and Sibi claimed two lives and left over 20 people, including three police officials, injured.

It was decided that special steps would be taken for arrest of elements involved in the blasts. It was also decided that actions would be taken against those officials who showed negligence in their duties.

The chief secretary directed law enforcement and intelligence agencies to make close coordination and increase cooperation so that violent activities could be stopped in the province.

Stressing the need for intelligence-based operations, he said special measures should be taken to find hideouts of anti-peace elements.

The chief minister expressed dismay over the unfortunate incidents of bomb blasts.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2021