QUETTA: The Balochistan provincial government has given the green light to merge the Levies Force with the police across six divisions in the province, as per an official notification issued on Wednesday.
The decision was taken by the provincial cabinet following a recommendation from the Home Department, officials confirmed. As part of this move, the Levies Force operating in Quetta, Kalat, Makran, Rakhshan, Naseerabad, and Zhob divisions has been officially incorporated into the Balochistan Police.
According to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the merger was approved under the provisions of the Balochistan Rules of Business 2012 and was finalized after consultations with all cabinet members. With this decision, all Levies stations within these six divisions have now come under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Police Force structure. In addition, on January 11, the Balochistan government had announced the successful integration of the Levies Force into the police system in Gwadar and Lasbela districts.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahiq Rind stated that this merger aims to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, resulting in more effective policing and better coordination among security agencies.
He emphasized that this initiative represents a major step towards enhancing public safety and security across the region. Rind expressed optimism that the merger would foster peace and stability throughout Balochistan.Earlier, in July 2024, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti declared that the police and Levies Force would be depoliticized entirely and restructured to better serve citizens and uphold the rule of law throughout the province.
He directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appoint Station House Officers (SHOs), Deputy Police Officers (DPOs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) on merit, and encouraged the posting of police officers from other provinces if necessary.
The CM also assured that political interference in police affairs would be eliminated, and no politician would influence postings or transfers of officers. Addressing the Provincial Assembly, Sarfraz Bugti affirmed that police officers’ tenures would be maintained unless they undermine parliamentary privileges or the dignity of ordinary citizens.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to depoliticizing the police and Levies, creating a professional and accountable law enforcement environment, and ensuring transparency in police operations.
