QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet on Sunday decided that no institution would be allowed to establish checkpoints on national highways and directed the coastguards, customs, police and Levies to abolish their existing posts immediately.

In a meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, it was decided that no institution would establish a checkpoint on the highways in future without permission from the provincial home department.

“Establishing a checkpoint if necessary would be conditioned to the prior permission from the home department,” the cabinet decided.

The cabinet observed that police, Levies, customs and other institutions humiliate people, incl­u­ding women and families who travel in buses and other vehicles, at the check posts in the name of checking and security.

Chief Minister Bizenjo, after being informed about the situation by the ministers, emphasised that while it is the responsibility of government institutions to provide security to the people, the rights of the common man should not be compromised in the name of security.

He said federal security institutions should focus on performing their duties at the country’s border areas, ensuring national security and combating smuggling and drug-related activities.”

“Customs, police, coastguards and Levies have no rights to disturb people by establishing their checkpoints at highways,” he said.

The cabinet observed that no such checkpoint of these institutions exist at the highways in other provinces and inside the cities so such posts should also not be established in Balochistan.

The cabinet directed strict action to be taken against those involved in drug trafficking in the Sariab area of Quetta. In this regard, the police and Anti-Narcotic Force were instructed to launch an operation against drug sellers.

The cabinet also discussed several issues, including the law and order situation, budget and other important matters, and took important decisions.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2023