QUETTA: Balochis­t­ans Care­taker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki on Saturday said that conducting fair and transparent elections in a peaceful environment is the prime responsibility of caretaker governments.

“As per the constituti­onal requirements, caretaker governments have been established in the capital and provinces,” he said, while chairing the first official meeting after assuming office.

He expressed that the interim setup would ensure the establishment of a tranquil and conducive environment for holding general elections, in accordance with their mandate.

Chief secretary, additional chief secretary home, inspector general (IG) police, DIG Frontier Corps, DG Levies, officials of law enforcement agencies and other relevant officials participated in the meeting to review the law and order situation in the province.

Balochistan caretaker CM highlights need for proactive law enforcement to protect citizens

The commissioners and regional police officers participated in the meeting through a video link additional chief secretary home and IG police briefed the meeting on the overall law and order situation in the province.

The meeting was also briefed about the security challenges and performance of law enforcement agencies.

The chief minister said the law enforcement agencies should play a proactive role to maintain peace and security for holding the elections besides dealing with security challenges.

The caretaker CM affirmed that they would ensure the merit-based management of security institutions and would not tolerate unnecessary pressures.

CM Domki said an effective system of coordination and exchange of information among law enforcement agencies should be established. He directed the expedited completion of the prison reforms process.

The caretaker chief minister said the police and Levies should take measures and evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining peace and security in the province to improve law and order to ensure that citizens feel safe and secure.

“The people of Balochistan are patriotic and respect their institutions while there is need to further strengthen the trust between the public and the law enforcement agencies,” he said, adding that the law enforcement agencies had given supreme sacrifices to restore peace and stability in the province.

“There has been significant improvement in the professionalism and efficiency of the police and Levies and their needs will be fulfilled by giving full patronage,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2023