Crackdown Launched on Illegal Fuel Pumps Across Balochistan; Amendments to Anti-Terrorism Laws Proposed

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):** Balochistan authorities have launched a province-wide crackdown on illegal fuel pumps in response to the security and economic risks posed by unregulated petrol and diesel sales. A high-level meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Hamza Shafqat, was held with officials from the Explosives Department, Ministry of Petroleum, Customs, and the Home Department to review the current situation.

Officials briefed that illegal fuel businesses are causing revenue losses, increasing accidents, and raising security concerns. In some locations, unsafe and unlicensed storage poses serious threats to public safety. The meeting decided that all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Assistant Commissioners (ACs) must take immediate and strict action against illegal fuel pumps, unregistered sales points, and storage facilities. Progress will be monitored daily, and all districts are required to submit reports to the Balochistan Information Security Agency (BISA).

The operation has officially begun across the province, with authorities pledging firm measures to eliminate illegal fuel operations and protect public safety. The Home Department emphasized that no influential individual or group will be allowed to violate the law.

Additionally, a meeting was held to review proposed rules under the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2025. Chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Hamza Shafqat, the session included senior officials from the Home Department, Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Prosecution, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, security agencies, and other relevant departments. The proposed amendments aim to modernize investigative processes, prosecution, intelligence coordination, and operational procedures to effectively counter evolving terrorist threats.

Muhammad Hamza Shafqat emphasized that a robust legal framework is essential to maintain law and order in the province. Departments were instructed to submit written recommendations promptly to finalize the draft rules for constitutional approval. Officials expressed commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism mechanisms through coordinated strategy, enhanced legislation, and inter-agency cooperation.