From Legislation to Institution Building: Journey Toward a Secure and Stable Balochistan — Home Department’s One-Year Performance

Quetta (News Desk) — Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has long faced complex challenges including law and order issues, terrorism, extremism, organized crime, illegal economy, and limited state capacity. In such circumstances, real governance success is measured not only by routine administration but by long-term reforms that strengthen institutions and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the Home Department Balochistan has, over the past year, implemented a series of reforms focused on legislation, institution-building, technological modernization, and strengthening the writ of the state, according to Adviser to Interior Babar Yousafzai.

Officials said the department introduced several key laws, including the Witness Protection Act, Balochistan Forensic Science Agency Act, anti-terrorism legal reforms, Safe City Authority Act, Balochistan Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2026, and the Probation and Parole Act. These reforms aim to modernize the criminal justice and security framework in the province.

Previously inactive institutions were also activated, including the Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, which is now supporting policymaking through research and analysis. The establishment of detention centers has further improved handling of terrorism-related cases.

A major highlight of the year was institution-building, including the launch and activation of several bodies such as the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC), Balochistan Integrated Security Architecture (BISA), Balochistan Charities Registration Authority (BCRA), Red Notice Cell, Anti-Illegal Spectrum Cell, Anti-Subversion Cell, Anti-Extortion Coordination Mechanism, and Human Trafficking Cell.

The Home Department also emphasized modernization of security systems through the Safe City project, which integrates artificial intelligence-based surveillance, advanced cameras, and digital tracking systems. Early results, officials said, show improved crime prevention and identification capabilities.

Security audits of sensitive installations, educational institutions, hospitals, and government offices were completed, while CCTV systems were expanded across the province to enhance surveillance infrastructure.

In counter-terrorism efforts, new capabilities were introduced, including a drone unit, improved bomb disposal capacity, and the introduction of face-less and video-link trial systems to strengthen prosecution processes.

The department also oversaw the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals as part of a coordinated inter-agency effort, which officials said strengthened state control and reduced pressure on public resources.

Operations against illegal poppy cultivation and tobacco trade were intensified, supported by drone surveillance and modern monitoring techniques to weaken the illegal economy.

Structural reforms also included the merger of the Levies Force into the police and Civil Defence into Special Branch, aimed at improving coordination and operational efficiency of law enforcement agencies.

Officials acknowledged that challenges remain, but said the reforms implemented over the past year indicate a clear policy direction toward a safer, more stable, and better-governed Balochistan based on strong laws, modern institutions, advanced technology, and improved intelligence systems.