Quetta: Rising cases of kidnapping for ransom have taken centre stage in Balochistan’s deteriorating security landscape, with a recent high-level meeting of the Government of Balochistan highlighting the growing threat to civilians.

Chaired by Ziaullah Langove, the meeting expressed serious concern over the surge in abductions, which continue to plague the province despite repeated government assurances. Officials reviewed the situation but offered little indication that existing measures have been effective in dismantling kidnapping networks.

Participants were briefed on current policies, including the use of “head money” to capture wanted criminals. However, critics argue that such steps are reactive and fail to address the underlying conditions that allow organised crime to thrive, particularly in remote and poorly governed areas.

Senior officials, including Raheela Durrani and Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, attended the session, where discussions focused on improving enforcement. Yet, the persistence of kidnapping cases suggests a gap between policy announcements and real-world impact.

Langove reiterated that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, directing authorities to implement decisions strictly. However, the continued rise in ransom-related abductions reflects weak deterrence, limited policing capacity, and the entrenched presence of criminal networks.

Observers warn that without sustained action and accountability, kidnapping for ransom risks becoming further institutionalised in Balochistan, deepening fear among residents and exposing the state’s inability to guarantee basic security.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from Al Jazeera.