QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly, during a heated debate on Tuesday, unanimously condemned the terrorist incidents of Aug 26 and called for strict action against those involved.

Lawmakers urged the government to initiate political dialogue with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to Balochistan’s issues.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, speaking on the resolution passed a day ago, said, “Our doors are open for dialogue with those who seek to engage within the parameters of the Constitution, but not with those responsible for killing innocent people and desecrating the national flag”.

He questioned how dialogue could be possible with “those who send our daughters as suicide bombers” instead of encouraging them to pursue higher education abroad.

Mr Bugti declared that Pakistan would remain intact until the Day of Judgment and that all conspiracies against it would be thwarted with the support of the people and the armed forces. He reiterated that while military operations were not currently needed in Balochistan, the government’s authority would be enforced through intelligence-based operations (IBOs).

During the session, JUI-F MPA Shahida Rauf suggested that the entire assembly should be briefed in-camera on the Aug 26 attacks.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial minister Saleem Khosa emphasised that the worsening situation in the province was part of a “global conspiracy” with militants targeting development projects. He called for collective efforts to resolve the Balochistan issue.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024