QUETTA: A directive from the Balochistan government to integrate the provincial Levies Force into the police has been met with significant opposition, triggering large-scale demonstrations across the province.
In the city of Qalat, personnel and officers from the force organised a major protest rally to voice their strong dissent against the controversial merger. The demonstration commenced at the Levies Headquarters and proceeded along several central arteries, including Shahri Bazaar, Hospital Road, and Darbar Road, before concluding at its origin.
A substantial body of Levies staff participated, carrying placards bearing slogans such as “No to Levies Force Police Merger” and “Long Live the Levies Force.”
Addressing the gathering, representatives of the force underscored its 142-year legacy, arguing it has been fundamental to upholding law and order in the region. They pointed to the ultimate sacrifices made by its personnel in the line of duty, safeguarding national and provincial security.
The officials further contended that past initiatives to amalgamate the Levies with the police had proven unsuccessful, warning that reviving such a policy would be damaging to the force’s integrity and detrimental to security in Balochistan.
The protestors called upon the provincial government to honour a stay order issued by the High Court and to promptly retract the merger notification.
Also read: Levies of six divisions merged with Police
The Levies of six divisions of Balochistan has been merged with Police. The Balochistan cabinet merged the Levies with Police upon Interior department’s request.
The levies forces in Kalat, Quetta, Makran, Rakhshan, Naseerabad and Zhob has been completely merged with the police.
The levies station in all the six division have been merged with the Revenue police force.
The approval was given under the Balochistan’s rules of business 2012. According to the S & GAD department, the approval was given with the consensus of all the cabinet members.
According to the notification, all members of the Levies Force, including both provincial and ex-Federal Levies as well as CPEC Wing personnel, will now serve under the Balochistan Police.
Their existing designations, ranks, pay scales, and benefits will be aligned with those of police personnel.
The administration and operations in these converted areas will now be governed under the Balochistan Police Act, 2011.
The notification further states that all financial allocations, arms, ammunition, records, vehicles, and training institutions previously managed by the Levies Force will be transferred to the Balochistan Police.
The Superintendent of Police in each converted district will also assist local administration and government departments in maintaining law and order as per legal provisions.
It is worth mentioning that the decision has been taken keeping in view the law-and-order and the security situation in Balochistan.
