IG Police Balochistan Calls for Changing Protest Methods to Ease Public Difficulties, Launches Public Safety Campaign

Quetta:Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan, Moazzam Jah Ansari, has urged political parties, civil society, and the public to reconsider protest methods, keeping in mind the difficulties they cause to citizens. He stressed the need to change protest strategies to avoid disrupting public life and causing unnecessary hardships to the people of Balochistan.

Speaking at a press briefing with DIG Quetta, Attezaaz Ahmad Goraya, and SSP Traffic Police, Behram Khan Mandokhail, on the launch of the **Public Safety Campaign**, the IGP emphasized that the population of Quetta has grown significantly from 50,000 to millions, leading to major infrastructural challenges. He noted that the city’s roads are narrow, deteriorating, and congested due to illegal encroachments and a lack of proper parking spaces, further exacerbating traffic issues.

**Key Points from IGP’s Statement:**

1. **Public Safety Campaign:** The campaign aims to raise awareness about traffic laws and regulations. It will be launched nationwide, focusing on educating citizens in Balochistan, particularly in Quetta, where the population growth has caused significant strain on infrastructure.

2. **Traffic and Protest Issues:** IGP Ansari acknowledged the frequent protests and sit-ins organized by political parties, civil society, and various groups on national highways and city roads. While he emphasized the right to protest, he urged these groups to adopt more effective and considerate methods that would not inconvenience the general public. “Protests should be held in designated areas such as Press Clubs, rather than blocking national highways and city roads, which only create more difficulties for the public,” he stated.

3. **Traffic Violations and Road Safety:** The IGP shared plans to tackle traffic violations and accidents by ensuring better enforcement of traffic laws. He also revealed that over 200 new personnel would be added to the Traffic Police to improve traffic management and reduce congestion.

4. **Coastal Highway Police:** The name of the Coastal Highway Police has been changed to **Coastal Highway Tourism Police**, aiming to improve safety and facilities for tourists visiting Balochistan’s coastal areas. This is part of a broader initiative to boost tourism and regional development.

5. **Expanded Authority for Security Forces:** IGP Ansari reassured the public that all law enforcement agencies, including **CTD**, **Special Branch**, and **Balochistan Constabulary**, have been granted the authority to carry out operations across both **A** and **B** areas of the province to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

6. **Collaboration with Stakeholders:** He urged political leaders, business communities, lawyers, doctors, and all stakeholders to work together to resolve issues in a way that promotes ease for everyone. “We all need to create an environment of cooperation to build a prosperous society, as problems cannot be solved without collective effort,” he added.

7. **Traffic Safety Measures:** Efforts are also underway to reduce traffic accidents on national highways by improving law enforcement and road safety measures.

The IGP’s comments reflect a proactive approach to addressing the growing challenges of urbanization, public protests, and road safety in Quetta and the wider Balochistan province. The **Public Safety Campaign** is seen as a significant step toward fostering a safer and more organized traffic system, as well as promoting greater civic responsibility and awareness.