𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙧: 𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨

𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝑩𝒖𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊

In any democracy, the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution are the cornerstones of governance. Unfortunately, the current government in Balochistan has repeatedly undermined these principles through a series of decisions that have not only eroded public trust but also raised serious concerns about the violation of constitutional norms and judicial directives. One such controversial decision was the attempt to merge the Levies Force into the police system under Form 47. This move, instead of being hailed as an administrative reform, has sparked widespread opposition, not only for its disregard of the will of the people but also for its unconstitutional nature.

Although the government presented this decision as an attempt to improve administrative efficiency, it has, in reality, undermined democratic values and challenged the integrity of constitutional institutions. The Levies Force has always played a vital role in maintaining law and order in the rural and remote areas of Balochistan. Unlike the regular police, which primarily operates in urban centers, the Levies Force is deeply rooted in rural communities. It understands the local customs, traditions, and the unique challenges these areas face. This connection has allowed the Levies Force to effectively maintain peace, prevent crimes, and respond swiftly to emergencies.

The Levies Force is built on a local structure, which enables it to tackle region-specific issues effectively. Their knowledge of local customs, the ability to identify criminal elements, and their ongoing collaboration with the community have contributed to their success in maintaining law and order in remote regions. However, when the government decided to merge the Levies Force into the police system, it not only stripped this force of its local identity but also eroded its effectiveness. With the police now in charge of areas previously governed by the Levies, there has been a noticeable decline in public trust. The merger has disrupted the delicate balance of power between local communities and law enforcement, creating a gap that the police, unfamiliar with the region, have struggled to fill. This shift has, in turn, led to a deterioration in security and a rise in crime rates, as evidenced by the increasing challenges faced by police in these rural regions.

The role of the judiciary in upholding the constitution and protecting citizens’ rights is critical in any democratic society. When the government introduces unconstitutional measures, it is the duty of the courts to intervene and safeguard constitutional integrity. The decision to merge the Levies Force with the police, as mandated under Form 47, blatantly disregards both the constitution and judicial mandates. Moreover, the subsequent orders issued by the police department to Levies personnel to submit attendance reports further constitute a direct affront to the judiciary.

This move by the government has raised serious questions about the rule of law in Balochistan. By undermining judicial directives and bypassing constitutional frameworks, the government has sent a troubling message about its commitment to legal norms and democratic governance. Courts must step in to ensure that the government adheres to its constitutional obligations and does not violate the fundamental rights of the people. Public unrest is a direct consequence of such unconstitutional actions, and it is incumbent upon the judiciary to hold the government accountable.

One of the most notable aspects of the Levies Force is its deep connection with the local population. The Levies personnel are not only familiar with the geographical and social landscape of their respective areas but also possess an intimate understanding of the criminal elements operating within those regions. This rapport with the local communities has proven to be a critical factor in the Levies Force’s success in preventing and controlling crime.