Pakistani authorities have announced strict disciplinary measures against police and Levies personnel in Balochistan who fail to resist armed attacks on security checkpoints carried out by Baloch fighters.
According to official sources, orders have been issued for the immediate dismissal of officers who do not resist or prevent the takeover of police and Levies stations by armed fighters. To date, more than 20 officers have been dismissed, and one assistant commissioner has been suspended.
On Wednesday, armed men attacked police and customs checkpoints along the Coastal Highway in Gwadar, seizing three Kalashnikovs, a G3 rifle, and a government vehicle before setting the checkpoints ablaze. Official sources said the officers stationed there “did not resist” during the assault.
Similar incidents have occurred in Panjgur, Turbat, Mastung, Khuzdar, and other districts, where Levies and police posts were overrun, weapons and vehicles confiscated, and some facilities destroyed.
Earlier this month, fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out an operation in Khuzdar’s Zehri area, reportedly taking control of government buildings and a Levies station before torching a NADRA office and other facilities.
In response, the Balochistan Home Department has directed deputy commissioners to take action against officers who fail to act during such attacks. Official sources said that 15 Levies officers in Khuzdar’s Zehri area were dismissed for surrendering during an attack, with similar disciplinary measures underway in other districts.
The Levies Force, responsible for maintaining law and order across 85% of Balochistan, has been criticized for being under-equipped to combat armed fighters in high-conflict zones. Levies officials, however, stated that efforts are underway to modernize the force by establishing intelligence wings and bomb disposal squads to address ongoing security challenges.
The Director General of Levies Balochistan confirmed that personnel are receiving modern training with additional support from the military. The government has also announced further initiatives to improve morale and enhance the operational capacity of Levies members.
Government sources revealed that the military and provincial administration are jointly developing a comprehensive strategy to address these issues. Proposed measures include enhanced training programs, better equipment, and a more robust command structure to better prepare officers for future conflicts.