Provincial Apex Committee reviews security, reforms, counterterrorism measures in Balochistan

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2026) The 21st meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where participants conducted a comprehensive review of Balochistan’s law and order situation, counterterrorism measures, repatriation of illegal foreign nationals, educational reforms, and actions against financial crimes.

The meeting was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Commander of XII Corps Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan and Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan.

The committee strongly condemned the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its effective defensive strategy. Members expressed full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, praising their strategic direction in safeguarding national security.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat briefed the committee that 721,000 Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Balochistan so far, while nearly one million have returned via the province. Operations against illegal foreign residents are ongoing, with a Rs50,000 reward announced for credible information leading to the identification of undocumented migrants.

Authorities also reported intensified crackdowns on poppy cultivation in the province. The Names of 330 individuals have been added to the Fourth schedule, with further stringent measures under consideration.

The committee was informed that show-cause notices have been issued to nine officers involved in anti-state activities, initiating proceedings for their dismissal.

Officials noted that public disassociation by families of individuals engaged in terrorism was being viewed as a positive development.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed the committee on its crackdown against hawala/hundi networks and extortion in Balochistan. Officials reported that 24 suspects had been arrested, 16 convicted, and further investigations were underway. The committee expressed satisfaction over FIA’s improved performance and directed authorities to intensify enforcement efforts.

The meeting was updated on progress in education. Over the past year, 200,000 out-of-school children have been enrolled in institutions. Biometric attendance systems have been installed in 10 of Balochistan’s 12 public universities, with directives to extend the system to colleges and schools in the next phase.

Addressing the meeting, CM Sarfraz Bugti said the results of effective deterrence were beginning to emerge, strengthening the writ of the state. He stressed the need to reinforce the state’s narrative against terrorism.

“The child of a laborer will not remain a laborer,” Bugti said, emphasizing that education and merit would create new opportunities. He highlighted that five children of laborers were selected into the Pakistan Air Force this year, calling it a matter of pride for the province.

Sarfraz Bugti further noted that 28,000 Baloch youth are currently serving in the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, describing it as clear evidence of the province’s patriotism.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Sarfraz Bugti said all state institutions were united in their efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in Balochistan. He underscored that sustainable peace depends on expanding development, education, and employment opportunities, while warning that strict legal action would be taken against those engaged in anti-state propaganda.