QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to take all possible measures to make Gwadar a safe city for local and foreign investors.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch here on Friday.

Commander of Southern Command Lt Gen Mohammad Naseer Khan Janjua, Home Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah, Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani, IG Police Mohammad Amlish and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Also read: Gwadar Port has potential to turn Pakistan into ‘maritime power’

The law and order situation in Makran division and progress on the ongoing development projects was reviewed at the meeting that continued for several hours. The chief minister directed officials concerned to submit a report about missing persons in Makran division.

The meeting observed that because of close coordination between the civil administration and security agencies law and order situation in the province was heading towards improvement.

It was decided that besides ensuring timely completion of Gwadar City Project steps would be taken for the formation of the proposed new force comprising 1,100 personnel and for the purpose support would be sought from the federal government.

Participants of the meeting expressed satisfaction over steps being taken for restoration of peace in Makran division. It was observed that overall security situation had improved, no-go areas had been removed and graph of crime rate in “B” area of Makran division had declined. It was also observed that the impact of anti-country propaganda was declining and that there was a positive change in the thinking of the masses.

Balochistan govt decides to take steps to improve security in Makran division

It was decided that in order to make the Coastal Highway secure it should be declared an “A” area and all religious seminaries in Makran division would be scrutinised.

The meeting decided to take action against unregistered seminaries n the province and those involved in illegal activities.

It was decided that stringent security measures would be taken for the security of engineers and labourers, particularly for Chinese nationals working on Gwadar Port and other projects.

Commissioner of Makran division Pasand Khan Buledi, the DIG of Makran Range and FC officials briefed the meeting about the law and order and the pace of development on various projects initiated in the region.

The chief minister expressed the hope that coordinated efforts being made by different institutions would bring improvement to security situation in the province.

He stressed the need for developing an environment of trust between security forces and people and asked the officials concerned to take on board local notables while taking action against criminals in an area.

He issued directives for dismantling of ineffective checkposts of Levies Force and Police in Makran division and suspension of those Levies personnel who did not retaliate when a post was attacked in Nasirabad.

He directed the commissioner of Makran and the DIG concerned to provide security to people and businesses during strikes in Turbat, Gwadar and Panjgur districts and ensure that no one was able to force shopkeepers to close their shops.

He said all resources should be utilised for improving the performance of Levies Force, adding that deputy commissioners could play an important role in this connection.

Citing example of Khuzdar district, the chief minister said its deputy commissioner and Levies Force played a vital role in the restoration of peace in the district. He said the Khuzdar district should be considered as a model.

Mr Baloch expressed satisfaction over the fast completion of Turbat University’s buildings and noted that work on Kech Medical College and Date Processing Plants were under way.

He stressed the need for early completion of cadet and residential colleges in Panjgur, Turbat and other parts of the province.

Lt Gen Junjua expressed satisfaction over the coordinated efforts by different institutions and said they would yield positive outcomes.

He praised the role of the chief minister and political parties for the elimination of terrorism.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2015

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