Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has issued a stern warning to vineyard and private property owners in Mastung, cautioning that they could be held accountable as facilitators if militants use their land to launch attacks against security forces or government officials. Speaking after inaugurating digital initiatives for the Balochistan police at the Central Police Office on Friday, Bugti emphasized that while the government aims to avoid harming innocent civilians, property owners cannot claim ignorance if their land is exploited for terrorism.
He stated that if attacks target security convoys or high-ranking officials such as the home minister from private properties like vineyards, the owners would be deemed complicit. Bugti revealed that vineyard owners have been repeatedly warned, and if such activities persist, the government will consider either relocating large populations or destroying vineyards used for terrorist operations.
Highlighting the sanctity of the lives of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and police personnel, Bugti underscored that the government will not tolerate the martyrdom of security officials while private lands continue to facilitate terrorism.
In a significant development, Bugti also announced that Balochistan is advancing towards extensive digitalization of governance to enhance public services, transparency, and service delivery. He noted that eight existing police applications have been upgraded, and eight new ones introduced to assist citizens in accessing the criminal justice system and managing everyday complaints.
Balochistan Inspector General Muhammad Tahir Khan briefed the chief minister on the launch of these 16 applications. Bugti praised IG Khan, the police IT team, and other officers involved, particularly commending DIG Headquarters Ahsan Asad Alvi for his contributions. The new digital tools include facilities for families of police martyrs to maintain direct contact and address their needs, as well as services related to Khidmat Markaz, hotels, travel, and the IGP Police Complaint Cell, making police services more accessible.
Notably, one application enables women to send an emergency alert with a single click, notifying their parents and the police immediately. Bugti announced a public awareness campaign targeting female students, working women, and travelers to promote this feature.
To encourage further development, the chief minister declared a Rs5 million cash reward for officers and personnel involved in these digital initiatives and allocated Rs50 million for continued digitalization efforts within the Balochistan police this year. He expressed gratitude to the Punjab government and police for their support and stated that Balochistan welcomes successful initiatives from other provinces. Additionally, the Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan governments, under the direction of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, have sought assistance in implementing Balochistan’s merit-based Artificial Intelligence Testing System.
Addressing police welfare, Bugti mentioned ongoing efforts to raise salaries in line with inflation, noting that increments have already been granted to the Fighting Force, ATF, CTD, and SOW units. He acknowledged that adapting the policing system following Balochistan’s designation as an A Area will require time but affirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the police to effectively combat terrorism and crime.
Bugti expressed confidence that within three to four years, Balochistan police will become one of Pakistan’s strongest and most empowered police services. Regarding the IGP Police Complaint Portal, he explained that citizen complaints are instantly displayed on the IGP Control Centre’s screen, with officers assigned to act promptly, deadlines set, and progress monitored digitally.
The chief minister highlighted the role of CCTV and Safe City cameras in tracing suspects in cases involving murdered traders in Quetta and Dr. Mahnoor, as well as their contribution to arrests following major terrorist attacks. The government has established a Safe City Authority and completed the necessary legislation, with Bugti praising the IT Secretary for developing the system from the ground up during his nearly three-year tenure.
The Safe City Authority, created under the Safe City Act, is integrated with law enforcement agencies and will continue to be enhanced. On recruitment matters, Bugti disclosed an internal error in the tehsildar recruitment process and said a committee formed with the Public Service Commission will submit its findings within seven to ten days, which will then be shared publicly.
Reaffirming the government’s merit-based policy, Bugti stressed that merit will not be compromised, even at political cost, as it is essential for reconnecting youth with the state after attempts to alienate them through propaganda. He cited the recent Balochistan Revenue Authority recruitment as an example, noting that although 20 to 25 candidates from his own constituency applied, none were selected, underscoring the fairness of the process. Bugti encouraged young people from Dera Bugti to pursue opportunities based on merit, pledging not to violate this principle for political favors.
