QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the Baloch people were pushed into an unnecessary and futile conflict, but the state has kept the door of forgiveness open for anyone willing to return.
He assured that those who choose the path back will be welcomed.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside MNA Jamal Raisani, the Chief Minister stated that around 100 militants in Dera Bugti have surrendered to the Government of Pakistan, calling their decision to lay down arms a positive development.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the CM KP should not become the part anti-state narrative.
He added that the same individuals turned to the mountains in 2018–19, and now that they have returned, the government has embraced them.
He noted that even in 2010, the same tribal leader had surrendered with his companions.
Bugti said that for Pakistan to grow stronger, personal and tribal disputes must be set aside.
He shared that there have been 900 incidents in Balochistan, resulting in the martyrdom of 205 security personnel and six officers, including two officers belonging to Balochistan.
These attacks also claimed the lives of 280 civilians.
He stressed that the nation must stand with its armed forces, and Balochistan’s people have always supported the military and will continue to do so.
The Chief Minister stated that civilians were targeted and killed on an ethnic basis, while the security forces conducted thousands of intelligence-based operations.
These operations eliminated 706 terrorists, many of whom were infiltrating from Afghanistan and planning attacks.
He added that Afghanistan has been dealing with severe instability for decades, and despite promises, the interim Afghan government has failed to prevent terrorists from operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These groups use religion as a cover for their plans but will not succeed.
Bugti emphasized that with a brave army chief and an organized military, terrorists are incapable of achieving their goals.
Yet, political narratives are created against a courageous field marshal.
He said that although he dislikes labeling fellow politicians as traitors or security threats, Pakistan must reflect on its conduct.
He explained that the situation in Balochistan and KP is influenced by regional and geographical factors, and this conflict is not the responsibility of a single institution it involves the judiciary and all national institutions.
The people of Balochistan have always stood with the security forces and will continue their support.
The Chief Minister said there is clear evidence of intelligence-based conspiracies against Pakistan, and the state must be prioritized over politics.
He clarified that no military operation is underway in Balochistan; only intelligence-based actions are being conducted.
Those who have decided to keep fighting with weapons face a clear policy, but the state’s heart remains open—anyone seeking forgiveness will be pardoned.
He added that for 30 years, Baloch youth were deliberately discouraged and misled in the name of deprivation, pushing them into a pointless war.
Now, the need is to reconnect the children with the state, and dialogue is the only meaningful solution.
Bugti reaffirmed his full support for the DG ISPR’s press conference, questioning whether terrorists should be allowed to reach Islamabad.
He expressed respect for Sohail Afridi but emphasized that his province needs development.
He advised that instead of constant confrontation and anti-security-forces propaganda, Afridi should cooperate with the federal government for the betterment of his province.
