Bugti warns property owners over terrorist use of land

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has warned owners of vineyards and other private properties

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has warned owners of vineyards and other private properties in Mastung that they could face action if their land is used by militants to carry out attacks.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating new digital initiatives at the Central Police Office, the chief minister said the government wanted to protect ordinary citizens and avoid measures that could cause unnecessary hardship.

However, he stressed that property owners would not be able to claim ignorance if terrorists used their premises to target security forces or government officials.

Bugti said authorities had repeatedly warned vineyard owners in the area against allowing their properties to be exploited by militants.

He cautioned that continued use of private land for terrorist activities could force the government to consider strict measures, including large-scale relocation of residents or removal of vineyards found to be facilitating attacks.

The chief minister said the lives of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police personnel were extremely valuable and the government would not allow security personnel to be targeted from privately owned properties.

Meanwhile, Bugti highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to expand digital governance and improve access to public services.

He said eight existing police applications had been upgraded while eight new digital platforms had been introduced to make it easier for citizens to access criminal justice services and submit complaints.

A dedicated women’s safety application enables users to send an emergency alert with a single click, simultaneously notifying family members and police. An awareness campaign will be launched to encourage female students, working women and travellers to use the service.

Digital services have also been developed for the families of police personnel killed in the line of duty. The system will allow authorities to maintain direct contact with families and better assess their welfare requirements.

Other digital services include Khidmat Markaz, hotel and travel-related facilities and the Inspector General of Police complaint cell.

Bugti announced Rs5 million in cash rewards for police officers and personnel who contributed to the digitalisation programme and allocated another Rs50 million for further development of digital services within Balochistan Police.

He said CCTV and Safe City surveillance systems had helped investigators identify suspects in murder cases and assisted authorities in making arrests after major terrorist incidents.

The chief minister added that a Safe City Authority had been established under the relevant legislation and integrated with law-enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and security.

On the recruitment of tehsildars, Bugti said an internal mistake had been identified during the recruitment process. A committee, formed in coordination with the Public Service Commission, would investigate the matter and submit its findings within seven to 10 days.

He reiterated that his government would not compromise on merit, even if such decisions resulted in political costs.