QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that a conspiracy is being hatched by some disgruntled elements to divide people on the basis of their ethnicity, emphasising that the true identity and recognition of all citizens should be Pakistani.

Speaking at a function organised in connection with Iqbal Day at a local college, he said that the youth should seek guidance from the thoughts and philosophy of Allama Iqbal.

The chief minister also urged the youth to verify information, instead of believing everything they hear or see, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook and X.

Mr Bugti pointed at the “disturbing trend” of educated girls being coerced into committing suicide attacks by extremist groups, stating that this was a grave issue for the province to confront.

Urges youth to benefit from Allama Iqbal’s philosophy

The CM said the new generation is the target of elements sitting abroad and aiming to misguide them against the state.

“Pakistan is our identity, we are first Pakistani and then Baloch, Pashtoon, Punjabi, Sindhi and Saraiki,” the CM said.

He described corruption as the biggest issue in the province, linking it directly to the ongoing violence and terrorism in Balochistan.

He called upon the new generation to wage a battle against corruption within the province.

Paying rich tributes to the founder of the college and Tameer-i-Nau Foundation the late Prof Fazal Haq Mir, he said his services for Balochistan in the field of education will be remembered forever.

Mr Bugti announced that toppers of the matriculation examination will be offered further education free of cost.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024