QUETTA, Pakistan - January 12, 2026: In a significant move aimed at streamlining law enforcement in the region, the Levies Force, a tribal force, which was established around 1879, has officially been merged into the Balochistan provincial police.
This historic decision means that the entire province of
Balochistan will now be policed by a single unified force, a change that is
expected to bring both challenges and benefits to local governance and
security.
Additional Secretary Home M Hamza Shafqat in a social media
post on X said the merger consolidates various law enforcement functions under
one command, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and clarity of
authority. While some stakeholders may express concerns over this transition,
experts and officials have highlighted several benefits that could emerge from
this restructuring. He gave out 10 key benefits of the decision.
1. One Command, One Responsibility: The consolidation of the
Levies Force into the police will eliminate the confusion that often arises
from divided authority between different jurisdictions.
2. No Jurisdictional Loopholes for Criminals: The merger
will close any gaps that criminals have historically exploited by operating
across administrative boundaries.
3. Stronger Counter-Terrorism Capacity: The newly merged
force is expected to bolster counter-terrorism efforts, aligning with modern
intelligence and operational doctrines to tackle emerging threats more
effectively. "Our focus will be on proactive measures rather than reactive
responses," said a senior police official.
4. Intelligence-Led Policing Across the Province: The
transition aims to shift from a reactive policing model to a proactive approach
that disrupts crime and terror networks before they can operate.
5. Better Investigations and Higher Convictions:
Standardized practices in evidence handling and forensic investigations will
improve the prosecution outcomes significantly.
6. Protection from Intimidation and Blackmail:
Institutionalizing policing reduces local officers' vulnerabilities to pressure
from militant and criminal elements. "A strong, unified force will empower
our officers and protect them from external threats," said a retired
police officer.
7. Uniform Standards of Training and Accountability: With
the merger, all officers will be subjected to the same training and
accountability standards, ensuring consistency in performance. "This is a
crucial step toward building trust within the community," noted a training
officer.
8. Improved Coordination with Other Agencies: The new
structure will facilitate seamless operations with various agencies, including
the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Frontier Corps (FC), Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and customs
authorities. Collaboration is key to effective law enforcement.
9. Efficient Use of Resources: A unified police force will
lead to better logistics, communication, and resource allocation, thereby
enhancing overall operational efficiency. "Pooling our resources will
allow us to tackle challenges more effectively," remarked, a resource
management expert.
10. Clear System for Citizens: With one police force,
citizens will have a single point of contact for their law enforcement needs,
leading to clearer accountability and improved public service.
While the merger of the Levies Force into the police may be
met with mixed reactions, the anticipated benefits present an optimistic
outlook for law enforcement in Balochistan.
As the province embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders remain hopeful that the integration will lead to a safer and more secure environment for all residents. The police department is now tasked with the significant responsibility of implementing these changes effectively, ensuring that the anticipated benefits are realized in the coming years.
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