QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, has decided to remove all check posts on highways across the province with immediate effect. The cabinet made this decision in a special meeting held in Quetta on Monday, where it reviewed the overall law and order situation of the province.
The decision is in violation of the federal authority, as the provincial cabinet does not have the power to overturn the decisions and measures of a federal institution. The cabinet directed all federal and provincial security agencies to immediately remove the check posts on highways, and said that any future establishment of check posts would require the permission of the Home Department.
The decision comes after the Customs Balochistan successfully curbed smuggling through the main roads and highways in the province. Balochistan is considered the hub of smuggling into Pakistan and smuggling of foreign currency, edibles commodities and urea to neighbouring countries.
Earlier, Balochistan Finance Minister had defended smuggling from across the border as trade. Now, by removing all check posts, the cabinet has given a free pass to smugglers.
Analysts have termed the decision as a bad one, as it will undermine the security and revenue collection of the province and the country.