Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti on Friday raised concerns over the presence of internet towers in sparsely populated areas of the province, warning that such infrastructure could be ‘exploited for activities against the state’.
Addressing a presser in Quetta, CM Bugti said he was surprised to see internet facilities in areas with little to no population, including Sangan.
“When I fly over in a helicopter, 4G services are running there. Who put them up, and why?” he asked, adding that such facilities could be misused by militants against the state and law enforcement agencies.
The chief minister also announced a Rs3 billion project to lay fibre optic cables across schools, colleges, universities and hospitals throughout the province.
He said the initiative aims to expand internet access for the public while ensuring that its usage remains monitored.
Briefing the media on the security situation, CM Bugti said the Frontier Corps (FC) neutralised 12 terrorists during a recent operation in Kharan town.
He said the militants were killed while attempting to loot banks, adding that around 15 to 20 individuals had tried to enter banking facilities in the town.
According to Bugti, one civilian sustained injuries during the operation and is currently under treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
He further stated that four of the militants were killed on the spot by law enforcement personnel at three separate locations.
The attackers attempted to break ATMs and flee with cash, with some managing to steal Rs3.4 million from one bank, he added.