QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has urged students from the province pursuing higher education at universities across Pakistan to focus on their studies, uphold discipline and steer clear of anti-state organisations and propaganda.
Bugti made the remarks during a meeting with students selected on merit for scholarships to pursue higher education at universities in different provinces.
The chief minister held a detailed discussion with the students on development projects, governance and other issues, followed by an extended question-and-answer session in which the students raised various matters.
Bugti said the merit-based selection of students from different districts of Balochistan for scholarships would help secure their educational future.
He said most of the scholarship recipients belonged to poor and middle-income families and described the opportunity for Baloch students to study in various disciplines at leading universities across the country as a matter of satisfaction.
The chief minister also appreciated the Punjab government’s support for Balochistan students, saying it was providing assistance not only for university admission but also toward tuition and hostel fees.
On behalf of the people of Balochistan, Bugti expressed gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for supporting the students.
Bugti Warns Students Against Anti-State Propaganda
Bugti urged students studying at universities in other provinces to make discipline and hard work their guiding principles and fulfil the expectations of their parents.
He cautioned students against becoming part of any anti-state organisation or propaganda campaign, saying there was often a difference between perceptions and facts.
“Anti-state elements engage in negative indoctrination of students in the name of uneven development,” Bugti said, urging students to remain vigilant against such attempts.
He told the students that their conduct and achievements at universities outside Balochistan would reflect on the province and the country.
“You are ambassadors of the country wherever you go,” Bugti said, urging the students to promote a sense of national identity.
The chief minister also rejected calls for the breakup of Pakistan, saying the country was created to endure and would continue to exist.
“Those who dream of dividing Pakistan are living in a fool’s paradise,” Bugti said.
He encouraged the scholarship recipients to make full use of the educational opportunities available to them and contribute to the development of Balochistan and Pakistan.
