Baluchistan’s prime minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, said Saturday that no group of armed militants could impose their ideology on 250 million citizens of Pakistan.
The safety situation in Baluchistan has worsened in recent months, since the militants, involved for a long time in a low -level insurgency, have intensified the frequency and intensity of their attacks. In February, almost 62 percent of the total deaths related to terrorism in the country occurred in Baluchistan.
Speaking during a conference in Quetta, CM Bugti emphasized that peace constantly returned to Baluchistan and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the State to its people against the forces that sought to destabilize the province.
Bugti described Baluchistan as Pakistan’s heart, without which the nation was incomplete. He regretted the lack of attention paid to the positive realities of the province and the limited recognition of his voices.
The main minister condemned the spread of anti-state narratives.
“Baluchistan faces challenges, but poverty and underdevelopment are not justification for rebellion,” he said.
The prime minister praised Baluchistan as a model of interreligious harmony, where various sects and religious communities lived peacefully.
Bugti emphasized that after August 14, 1947, the main identity of all citizens was Pakistani above ethnic, tribal or linguistic affiliations.
He also warned about the role of social networks in the dissemination of erroneous information and inciting the disturbances, adding: “Our society was not prepared for this. People share content not verified without thinking, feeding confusion and division.”
He appealed to religious scholars, the elders of the community and social leaders to counteract this trend.
While affirming the right to peaceful protest, Bugti declared that the era of indefinite road blockages had ended.
“We welcome the dialogue with those willing to leave weapons and join the national fold. But those who shed innocent blood will face all the power of the State.”
He highlighted the government’s dissemination efforts through Jirgas and public meetings aimed at involving young people and strengthening their connection with the State.
He concluded thanking the organizers of the conference for promoting unity and patriotism.
“The Baluchistan government will continue to support such initiatives, either in Quetta or in remote areas. This country is the dream of our ancestors and part of our faith. The Sun of Peace will increase in Baluchistan,” he concluded.
On Friday, Baluchistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said that mobile data services in the province were suspended until August 31 for “security reasons.”
Also on Friday, CM Bugti reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the equal development of the 36 districts and youth empowerment during a series of meetings with public and notable local delegations in the Secretariat of the Principal Minister.
