Balochistan Apex Committee Reviews Security, Counterterrorism, Repatriation and Education Reforms

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):** The 21st meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was held in Quetta on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where participants conducted a detailed review of the overall law and order situation, counterterrorism measures, repatriation of illegal foreign nationals, education reforms, and actions against financial crimes.

Senior civil and military officials attended the meeting. The committee strongly condemned the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its effective defensive strategy and timely response actions. The forum expressed full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.

During a briefing, Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat informed the committee that 721,000 Afghan nationals had been repatriated from Balochistan so far, while nearly one million had returned via the province overall. Operations against illegal immigrants are ongoing, and a reward of Rs 50,000 has been announced for credible information.

The committee was also informed that action is being intensified against those involved in poppy cultivation, with 330 individuals placed on the Fourth Schedule, and further strict measures under consideration. Proceedings have been initiated against nine officials allegedly involved in anti-state activities, with show-cause notices issued for their dismissal.

The meeting described the public disassociation of families from individuals involved in terrorism as a positive development. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed the committee on its crackdown against hawala, hundi, and extortion in Balochistan, stating that 24 suspects had been arrested and 16 had already been convicted. The committee expressed satisfaction over improved performance and directed further strengthening of enforcement measures.

On the education front, the forum was informed that 200,000 out-of-school children had been enrolled in educational institutions over the past year. Biometric attendance systems have been installed in 10 out of 12 public universities in Balochistan, with instructions issued to expand the system to colleges and schools in the next phase.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the results of effective deterrence were beginning to emerge and that the writ of the state was strengthening. He stressed the need to reinforce the state narrative against terrorism and reaffirmed that sustainable peace in Balochistan depends on expanding opportunities for education, development, and employment.

He highlighted that five children of laborers were selected in the Pakistan Air Force this year, calling it a matter of pride for the province. He further stated that 28,000 Baloch youth are currently serving in the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, reflecting the patriotism of the people of Balochistan.

The meeting was also attended by Quetta Corps Commander Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, and other senior civil and military officials.