An undated image showing Levies staff.
QUETA:
The Balochistan government has formally merged the Levies Force with the provincial police, abolishing all ‘B’ areas and converting them into ‘A’ areas, a move that officials say resolves a long-standing administrative ambiguity and ensures uniform application of the law across the province.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced the decision on X, highlighting that the merger clarifies the responsibilities of the State and strengthens the framework for public safety and security across Balochistan.
The cabinet approved the move, and Sibi and Loralai divisions were now declared “Areas A”. As per the decision, all Levies personnel, including provincial, ex-federal and members of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) wing, have been integrated into the Balochistan Police.
The merged personnel would retain their existing ranks, pay scales, benefits and nomenclature. Its administration will now be governed by the Balochistan Police Act, 2011. The merger also involves the transfer of all infrastructure and resources of the erstwhile Levies Force to the police.
As part of a broader effort to improve policing, the Balochistan Police has launched an accelerated training program for former Levies personnel who have moved from policing duties in ‘Area B’ to regular policing duties in ‘Area A’. The initiative started on January 1, 2026 at the Police Training College (PTC), Quetta.
A total of 772 former Leves officers are enrolled in a three-month course covering physical fitness, weapons handling, marksmanship, counter-terrorism preparedness, investigative skills and legal education. Students are also housed on site, with improved facilities.
PTC Commander Shahzad Akbar said the university added an indoor football field and resurfaced parade areas etc. to improve both welfare and training effectiveness. “When they formally join the police, they will be better prepared to protect communities, uphold the law and sustain peace,” he said.
The program is part of a broader plan to strengthen crime prevention efforts, promote community-centered policing and rebuild public trust in police. Officials said these measures aim to embed professionalism, transparency, accountability and service-oriented practices across the force.
This final merger completes a process started in October 2025, when six of the eight administrative divisions of Balochistan (Quetta, Kalat, Makran, Zhob, Rakhshan and Nasirabad) were merged into the police. Sibi and Loralai had remained under Levie’s control until now.
Chief Minister Bugti said the move marks a historic resolution of legal ambiguities on territorial policing and reflects the government’s commitment to providing consistent security and law enforcement in all districts of Balochistan.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
