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

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...