Balochistan CM Chairs Apex Committee Meeting: Crackdown on Extortion, Smuggling, and Hate Material Announced

Quetta: Under the chairmanship of **Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti**, the provincial Apex Committee held its 20th meeting to review **security, development, and public welfare matters**. The session was attended by the **Corps Commander Balochistan, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan**, senior military and civil officials, and provincial department heads.

The committee decided on a **major crackdown against extortionists, gold smuggling, hawala (informal money transfer), and money laundering**. Strong action was also approved against individuals spreading **anti-state and hate-promoting material**, with the aim of safeguarding national security. The **FIA Balochistan** was directed to improve its performance in tackling **white-collar crimes and extortion**, following concerns over its recent inefficiency.

To improve healthcare in rural areas, the committee mandated that **all newly graduated MBBS doctors serve in their respective districts for a minimum of three years**. Strict measures were also approved against those involved in **opium poppy cultivation and trade**, with instructions to include their names in the **Fourth Schedule**.

The meeting reviewed **Balochistan Special Development Initiatives (BSDI)** projects, expressing satisfaction with completed schemes and urging the **timely completion of ongoing projects**. Addressing public grievances, the Chief Minister instructed the **Sui Southern Gas Company** to **immediately resolve gas supply complaints** and improve pressure in Quetta. A formal communication regarding gas load-shedding will also be sent to the federal ministry.

CM Bugti emphasized that the government is implementing a **zero-tolerance policy** against extortion, gold smuggling, money laundering, and white-collar crime. He also reaffirmed that any **anti-state or hate material will not be tolerated**. The committee highlighted that coordinated efforts between **civil and military institutions** are essential to maintain **peace, security, and development in Balochistan**.

The meeting began with prayers for the **martyrs of the security forces** and was attended by provincial ministers **Mir Saleem Khan Khosa, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Bakht Muhammad Kakr**, Chief Secretary **Shakil Qadir Khan**, and other senior civil and military officials.