Chief Minister Balochistan Sardar Sarfraz Bugti has affirmed that terrorists cannot impose their system on the nation and that the people of Balochistan have always stood, and will continue to stand, with the armed forces of Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he highlighted the recent surrender of nearly 100 terrorists in Dera Bugti as a significant victory for state authority and reconciliation.
Sardar Sarfraz Bugti said, “We must welcome those who have come down from the mountains to surrender. If anyone realises that the state is more important than individual ambitions, we should receive them with open arms.” He emphasized that the state of Pakistan and its flag are of utmost importance, and that personal grievances are always secondary in the service of the nation.
The Chief Minister provided a detailed account of the ongoing struggle against terrorism in Balochistan. “In the past year, there have been 900 incidents of terrorism in the province, resulting in the deaths of 205 security personnel and six officers. We take pride that even two of our officer martyrs belonged to Balochistan. Tragically, 280 civilians were also killed in these attacks.”
He added that terrorists have attempted to divide the country through violence, but Pakistan’s armed forces have responded decisively. “Our forces have eliminated 760 terrorists, including 50 in each operation along the Afghan border. The enemy’s intentions have been thwarted by the bravery and strategic acumen of our field marshals, even when facing adversaries ten times their strength.”
Sardar Sarfraz Bugti also criticized the Afghan caretaker government for failing to honor the Doha Agreement, which promised that Afghan territory would not be used against Pakistan. “Afghanistan is violating its commitments before the entire world. Our people have been drawn into a futile war, but violence cannot achieve victory. Pakistan’s forces, with courage and strategy, have neutralized threats effectively.”
Highlighting national unity, the Chief Minister stated, “The entire country is aligned against terrorism. Provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have witnessed more terrorist incidents, and Balochistan has already taken a leadership role in combating this menace. The fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility of all Pakistanis.”
Addressing political narratives, he remarked, “Some parties operate on the basis of popularity and reputation. In the recent Punjab by-elections, the power of such narratives was evident. Even historically, figures like Abu Jahl had strong narratives. We must abandon discourses that weaken the state and reflect on our own conduct. A popular leader’s son may be abroad, but the sons of Pakistan are shedding blood for the nation daily.”
Sardar Sarfraz Bugti called for prioritizing the state over politics and journalism. “The state must come first. When the state survives, politics and journalism can flourish. In Balochistan, there are two types of youth: those who have taken up arms against the state and those who serve it. The state’s heart is vast; we have kept the door open for those willing to surrender, and we welcome them.”
He also addressed the narrative against the armed forces and Field Marshals, stating that the Constitution prohibits protests against them. “Other provinces are peacefully focusing on governance and development. My advice to KP CM Sohail Afridi is to focus on development and dialogue with the federal government regarding the rights of his people,” the Chief Minister said.
Sardar Sarfraz Bugti concluded by reiterating the commitment of Balochistan’s government and people to stand united with Pakistan’s armed forces and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
