News Desk: The 20th meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was convened in Quetta under the chairmanship of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. The session was attended by Corps Commander Balochistan Lt. Gen. Rahat Naseem Ahmad Khan along with other senior military and civil officials.
The participants conducted a comprehensive review of the province’s security environment, the progress of ongoing development schemes, and other public welfare issues. The committee also evaluated and ratified the implementation of decisions taken during the previous meeting.
In a major development, the forum resolved to launch a decisive crackdown against extortion groups, as well as individuals involved in gold smuggling, illegal currency transfers (hundi/hawala), and other forms of financial crime. Expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of FIA Balochistan, the committee directed the agency to enhance its efforts against white-collar offenders and extortion networks.
The Apex Committee also decided to impose a complete ban on the publication and dissemination of anti-state and hate-inciting material.
In another key decision, the committee announced that medical graduates (MBBS) will be obliged to serve for a minimum of three years in their native districts to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural regions.
The meeting further approved strict legal action against those engaged in poppy cultivation and trade, recommending that such individuals be placed on the Fourth Schedule for enhanced monitoring.
The committee expressed satisfaction over the completion of projects executed under the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives (BSDI) and urged relevant departments to expedite work on pending projects to ensure early completion.
Concern was also raised over low gas pressure in Quetta, with the committee instructing the General Manager of Sui Southern Gas Company to address public grievances without delay.
Speaking at the session, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that efforts to restore peace and stability in Balochistan are producing concrete results. He instructed the FIA to intensify operations against extortionists, smugglers, money launderers, and white-collar criminals, stressing that propaganda against the state and hate-based publications will not be tolerated.
He further emphasized that doctors must fulfill their mandatory three-year service in their home districts to ensure improved medical facilities in remote areas. The Chief Minister also reaffirmed that those involved in poppy cultivation and illegal trade will face strict punitive action.
“Through the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives, the government is committed to delivering essential facilities to the public,” Bugti stated, adding that measures to resolve Quetta’s gas pressure issues are being prioritized by the provincial administration.
