QUETTA, July 8 Federal Levies personnel are reported to have taken control of four police stations in Pishin and held the policemen deployed there hostage for some time.

According to sources, the Levies personnel stormed the police stations in Yaro, Bostan, Saranan and Khanozai areas. The policemen there showed restraint and avoided a clash.

The provincial government is yet to work out a policy to restore Levies force in the province in accordance with a decision taken by the cabinet.

When contacted, police sources confirmed that the police stations had been taken over by Levies force. They expressed concern and termed the action an attempt to pit the two forces against each other.

An official told Dawn that the chief secretary had convened a meeting of police officers and other officials concerned on Friday to discuss the issue and take a decision regarding restoration of Levies force in the province.