For decades, people in Balochistan lived under two systems of law. Different rules. Different authorities. Different outcomes. Today, that divide ends

Balochistan merges the Levies into the police, abolishes ‘B’ areas, and launches training for 772 officers—aiming for uniform law enforcement, stronger security, and restored public trust.

A New Chapter for Baluchistan’s Policing

Balochistan has turned a historic page. The provincial government has formally merged the Levies Force into the Balochistan Police. All ‘B’ areas now stand converted into ‘A’ areas. One system. One command. One law.

What the Government Decided

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced the move on X. He said it ends years of administrative confusion.
He stressed that the state’s duty to protect citizens is now clear and uniform.

Cabinet Approval and Areas Affected

The provincial cabinet approved the merger. Sibi and Loralai divisions now fall under ‘A-Area’ policing.
All remaining Levies jurisdictions are abolished.

Integration of Levies Personnel

All Levies staff have joined the police. This includes provincial, ex-federal, and CPEC Wing personnel.
They keep their ranks, pay, and benefits. Their administration now falls under the Balochistan Police Act, 2011. All Levies infrastructure and resources transfer to the police.

Training for the New Role

The police launched an accelerated training programme on January 1, 2026. Training is underway at the Police Training College (PTC), Quetta. A total of 772 former Levies officers are enrolled. The three-month course covers fitness, weapons handling, marksmanship, counter-terror readiness, investigations, and law. Trainees live on campus in upgraded facilities.

Strengthening the Institution

PTC Commandant Shahzad Akbar confirmed new upgrades. The college added a futsal ground and improved parade areas. He said the goal is better wellbeing and stronger operational readiness. Officers will be better prepared to protect communities and uphold the law.

Why It Matters

Officials say the reform will improve crime prevention.They aim to promote community-focused policing. They seek to rebuild public trust through professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

Completing a Long Process

This step completes a process that began in October 2025. Six divisions had already merged: Quetta, Kalat, Makran, Zhob, Rakhshan, and Nasirabad. Sibi and Loralai were the last under Levies control.
Chief Minister Bugti called the move a historic end to legal ambiguity.

Critical Analysis: Social and Political Impact

Governance and Rule of Law

This merger centralizes authority over policing.
It reduces overlapping mandates and administrative disputes.
Uniform enforcement can improve response time and accountability.
However, success depends on implementation, oversight, and depoliticized command.

Security and Counter-Terror Capacity

Standardized training, equipment, and doctrine can strengthen counter-terror and investigative capacity.
The transition may initially strain operations as personnel adapt to new procedures.
If sustained, it can improve intelligence sharing and coordinated action across districts.

Public Trust and Community Relations

A single policing framework can simplify access to justice.
Yet, trust will depend on visible professionalism and restraint.
Community-focused policing must remain central, especially in rural and previously ‘B-Area’ regions.

Political Dynamics and Local Power Structures

The merger reshapes long-standing local arrangements.
It may reduce informal influence once exercised through parallel systems.
Politically, it signals the provincial government’s intent to consolidate authority.
Resistance may emerge if local stakeholders feel marginalized.
Managing transition through consultation and service delivery will be critical.

Institutional Risks

Cultural integration between forces poses challenges.
Rank parity and benefit retention may ease friction, but operational cohesion will require strong leadership.
Without independent oversight, centralization could also concentrate power.
Sustained reforms in accountability mechanisms will determine long-term legitimacy.

Conclusion

If executed with transparency, training, and community engagement, the merger can strengthen governance and security. If mishandled, it risks short-term disruption and political pushback. The outcome will be shaped by implementation, not intent alone.