• Orders crackdown on extortion, gold smuggling, illegal money transfers
• CM Bugti directs SSGC to resolve low gas pressure complaints in Quetta

QUETTA: The Balochistan Apex Committee has decided to launch a comprehensive crackdown against those involved in extortion, gold smuggling, illegal hundi/hawala operations, and money laundering.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of the FIA Balochistan, the committee directed the agency to intensify and make its operations more effective against white-collar crimes and extortion.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti chaired the 20th meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Corps Commander Balochistan Lt Gen Rahat Naseem Ahmad Khan, provincial ministers Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, and senior civil and military officials.

The committee reviewed the overall security situation, progress on development projects, and other public interest matters. It also assessed the implementation of decisions made in the previous meeting and expressed satisfaction over the measures taken to maintain law and order and strengthen the writ of the state.

The committee decided to impose a complete ban on anti-state and hate-promoting publications, terming such materials harmful to national security. Relevant departments were instructed to continue coordinated actions under a comprehensive strategy to curb such activities.

In another key decision, the committee ruled that doctors completing their MBBS degrees would be required to serve for at least three years in their respective home districts to ensure better healthcare facilities in rural and underdeveloped areas.

The meeting also decided to take stern legal action against individuals involved in poppy cultivation and its trade, adding that the names of those engaged in such activities would be included in the Fourth Schedule.

The apex committee expressed satisfaction over projects completed under the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives (BSDI) and directed relevant authorities to ensure the timely completion of ongoing schemes.

It also discussed the issue of low gas pressure in Quetta and directed the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to take immediate and effective measures to address public complaints.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti said that the actions taken for restoring peace in Balochistan were yielding positive results, and operations against extortion, gold smuggling, money laundering, and white-collar crimes would be intensified without discrimination.

He emphasised that anti-state and hate-inciting content would not be tolerated under any circumstances and praised the efforts made so far to curb such material.

The chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in rural areas, saying that doctors must serve in their districts for a minimum of three years. He also directed strict legal action against those involved in poppy cultivation to eradicate the menace completely.

CM Bugti added that under the BSDI, essential public facilities were being provided across the province and that the government would ensure the timely completion of all development projects.

Expressing concern over low gas pressure in Quetta, he directed the SSGC general manager to promptly resolve the issue and said a formal communication would be sent to the federal ministry regarding gas load-shedding.

The chief minister reaffirmed that coordination between civil and military institutions was being further strengthened to maintain peace, progress, and stability in the province.

Earlier, the meeting began with prayers for the martyrs of the security forces.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2025