ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Balochistan, under measures to counter terrorism in the province, have conducted 1929 Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) during last one year.
Of the total, police conducted 215 Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs), Levies 464 operations, Frontier Corps (FC) 282 such operations while the number of IBOs conducted under National Action Plan (NAP) by IFC during the period was 968.
As per data issued by Ministry of Interior here, the LEAs also arrested 9,074 persons during the period out of which Police nabbed 3,431 persons, Levies arrested 1292 persons, FC 151 persons and IFC arrested 4200 persons.
During the period 204 personnel of LEAs faced martyrdom including 03 from police, 48 from FC and 153 from IFC while 29 personnel of IFC got injured during the IBOs.
The data further revealed that during the period, the LEAs also recovered 3247 weapons out of which police recovered 846 weapons, FC recovered 356 weapons and IFC recovered 2045 weapons.
Similarly, with regard to recovery of Ammunition, the LEAs recovered 2,57,413, of which FC recovered 15,308 ammunition and IFC recovered 2,42,105 ammunition.
The other steps taken by Provincial government to counter terrorism in Balochistan included: With regard to curb sectarian violence, multiple layers of cordons were applied in areas where sectarian minorities live.
The outer Cordon by Police and inner Cordon by Rangers while intelligence sharing was enhanced. Meetings with leaders of sectarian organizations were also held.
Moreover, during the period, many acts of terrorism were thwarted by provincial government and intelligence agencies, huge caches of explosives were recovered while strict checking of urea and fertilizer was being carried out at entry points.
The data revealed that system of issuance of explosive for mining is being overhauled and major projects are being allowed to hire special contractual levies under supervision of Deputy Commissioners. Tribal Levies and Police deployment has also been enhanced and Frontier Corps has been deployed at more sensitive installations.
Similarly, with regard to security of prisons, the major steps were construction of reinforced concrete walls at bigger prisons and multiple layers of security and also installation of jammers around prisons while new security equipment are being purchased.
Regarding general security of Capital city Quetta, the data enumerated the steps including policing powers given to FC, mobile patrolling by all LEAs, setting up Multiple Fixed Check points at all entry and exit points and also random check points.
The other measures were security of Zaireen, special event security – Muharram, Eid, National Days, movement of buses in convoys through some parts of Balochistan, survey of property owned by illegal immigrants and fresh registration of Afghan refugees in Balochistan.
With regard to Intelligence Sharing Mechanism, it is revealed that Apex Committee at provincial level and setting up of divisional and district level committees.
The new initiative in law enforcement included establishment of Police Anti-Terrorism School, re-training of police by Army, joint operations with FC, re-organization of police, raising of highway patrolling force, establishment of rescue/quick response.
For Levies, modern training on pattern of Pakistan Army and FC was being given, strengthening of investigation through judicial trainings, expertise in Crime Scene Management with assistance of Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory (PFSL), purchase of modern weapons and equipment and establishment of mobile check posts.
Regarding reconciliation with leaders of Baloch Sub Nationalists (BSN), jirga members were nominated by Chief Minister to meet with Khan of Kalat in London. The jirga met with Khan of Kalat and meeting proved positive.
Pur Aman Balochistan Package was also introduced in the province while under Re-habilitation Package, priority to give cash assistance is being given for self-employment and job opportunities for surrendering youth between age of 20-35 both in public and private sectors.
The other incentives under the package were free education for children up to secondary and intermediate level in government schools, Frontier Corps or Army institutions and also free family medical treatment for five years through a special medical card.
The data further revealed the way forward is implementation of National Action Plan and change in national narrative.
Source: APP
