Authorities have suspended the Ziarat superintendent of police (SP) following a devastating terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police post. The high-stakes incident resulted in the tragic loss of at least nine police officials. This brave group included two station house officers who embraced martyrdom during the assault.
However, security forces responded swiftly to the threat. Consequently, a intense clearance operation successfully eliminated 15 alleged terrorists after the initial ambush.
Shahid Rind, the Balochistan chief minister’s aide for media and political affairs, officially confirmed the SP’s suspension. He stated that the provincial government has already issued a formal notification regarding this disciplinary action.
High-Level Inquiry Committee Formed to Probe Incident
In response to the tragedy, the provincial government quickly constituted a powerful four-member inquiry committee to probe the incident deeply. The official notification outlines a strict mandate for the investigators. Specifically, the team must establish the complete sequence of events leading to, during, and after the terrorist attack.
Furthermore, the committee will evaluate the deployment, preparedness, response, command, control, and coordination of all security agencies. Investigators will check if there was any negligence, dereliction of duty, operational lapse, or failure of command among law enforcement officials.
Additionally, the team must assess whether the current standard operating procedures (SOPs) for protecting the critical installation were adequate. Ultimately, they will fix responsibility on specific individuals or organizations in accordance with applicable laws. The notification directs the committee to submit its final report within 15 days.
“The committee shall have the authority to call for any record, summon any officer or official, examine witnesses, inspect the site, obtain expert opinion and co-opt any technical expert(s), if required, for the effective conduct of the inquiry,” the notification said.
Chief Minister Demands Decisive Action Against Militants
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti recently presided over a high-level meeting to review the volatile law and order situation in Ziarat. He also met with the families of the martyrs, visited the injured victims, and expressed strong solidarity with the security forces.
The Chief Minister directed that the operation against terrorists and their facilitators should be taken to its logical conclusion at all costs. Furthermore, he emphasized that authorities must give no opportunity to anti-state elements to regroup. Therefore, he ordered all law enforcement agencies to continue their operations in a swift, effective, and decisive manner with strong mutual coordination.
