Pakistan: Judicial Commission Begins Probe Into Killing of 31 Police Officers in Ziarat

Quetta (Terror Monitor) — A judicial inquiry commission has begun investigating the killing of 31 police officers in a militant attack in Ziarat district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

Balochistan High Court Justice Muhammad Amir Rana has been appointed to head the commission.

The commission has invited individuals who wish to appear as witnesses or submit relevant documents to register their names at the commission’s office at the Balochistan High Court by August 28.

The Attack

The attack took place in early July at a pumping station of the Mangi Dam in the Mangi area of Ziarat district. Nine police officers were killed at the site, while the remaining officers were abducted and later killed.

Following the incident, relatives of the killed police officers and political activists staged a protest sit-in in Quetta for around 10 days. One of their key demands was a judicial investigation into the attack.

Commission’s Terms of Reference

The commission will investigate the circumstances and decisions that led to the deployment of police personnel at the Mangi Dam pumping station. It will determine how and on what basis responsibility for securing the facility was assigned to the police.

It will also examine whether former Levies personnel deployed at the site had received adequate training to deal with counterinsurgency operations and terrorist attacks, particularly given their limited weapons and resources.

The commission will determine whether the deployed personnel were provided with sufficient weapons, ammunition, reinforcements and logistical support. If adequate resources or reinforcements were not provided, the commission will identify the reasons for the shortcomings and determine who was responsible.

The inquiry will also examine whether the required security and logistical assistance was provided in a timely manner.

Security Arrangements Under Review

The commission will obtain and review security plans and deployment records prepared before the attack.

It will also investigate whether other law-enforcement agencies deployed in nearby areas failed to provide an adequate security cordon or timely assistance to the police personnel stationed at the pumping station.

Under its legal powers, the commission may record statements from witnesses, inspect the crime scene, conduct geofencing and obtain detailed telephone and mobile call records relevant to the incident.

It may also summon or invite members of the public who have information about the attack or circumstances surrounding the incident.

Action Against Those Responsible

The commission may recommend legal action against officials of the district administration, security institutions or other departments if they are found responsible for negligence or failures that contributed to the incident.

The government will also be expected to implement the commission’s recommendations against any individuals found responsible.

Measures to Prevent Future Attacks

The commission will make recommendations, where necessary, to prevent similar incidents in the future, including strengthening security at sensitive installations, improving emergency response procedures and enhancing security equipment and other protective measures.

Families of the killed police officers will be given a full opportunity to appear before the commission, present relevant facts and record their statements.

The inquiry is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, examine the deployment and security arrangements at the facility, determine whether negligence or operational failures occurred, and identify those responsible.