Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has assured the Balochistan government of support in the crackdown against illegal activities in the province.

The army chief said this while attending the apex committee that was presided over by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar in Quetta on Tuesday. Caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki was also present.

Last month, the interim government started cracking down on hoarders, electricity thieves, smugglers, and hoarders to improve the economy. The action was taken after protests against exorbitant bills and the rupee depreciation in the money market.

According to a statement, officials briefed the forum on the revised National Action Plan, law enforcement operations, anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics operations in Balochistan, security of foreign nationals employed on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor/non-CPEC/private projects, repatriation of illegal foreigners, foreign currency regularisation measures, and progress on SIFC initiatives in Balochistan.

The interim prime minister expressed confidence in the progress made by the Balochistan government and assured the full support of the federal government.

“Socio-economic development of Balochistan is imperative for ensuring peace and development of the province,” Kakar said.

The statement quoted the army chief as saying, “The army will provide full support in concert with LEAs and other government departments for enforcement actions against a spectrum of illegal activities with full force to deny pilferage of resources and economic losses that the country suffers due to these activities.”

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The premier said: “Initiatives taken by the SIFC at the federal level should have a trickledown effect in each province for the people of the area.”

He went on to add that Balochistan was rich in mines and minerals and development in this sector would generate economic activity and job opportunities for the people of the area.

Moreover, investments in agriculture and IT should also be focused apart from human resource development, Kakar added.

The caretaker premier underscored the need for synergy among all relevant departments for the gainful effects of the initiatives. The participants affirmed that state institutions, government departments, and people are united for the progress and prosperity of the province.

Earlier, upon arrival, the prime minister and COAS were received by the interim Balochistan chief minister and Balochistan Corps commander.