QUETTA: While admitting existence of terrorist camps in Balochistan, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday said that government forces were carrying out targeted operations to root out terrorism from the province.

Talking to journalists after the provincial assembly session, he criticised the political parties that are opposing operations and asked them to suggest alternative solutions other than military action to deal with the menace of terrorism.

“They should come with their suggestions and recommendations for the elimination of terrorism, and the government will implement it,” CM Bugti said, adding that terrorists were roaming freely on the streets, kidnapping children and killing civilians and security forces personnel.

When his attention was drawn to rumours about the possibility of changing the chief minister, he said, “I have no knowledge about any such discussions.”

He pointed out that lawmakers from PPP and PML-N as well as other members of the Balochistan Assembly had given him the vote of confidence.

He said that no one has submitted a no-trust motion against him as yet, terming it an honour.

Bugti reiterated that he would continue to serve the province as long as the opportunity was available.

HEC delegation

During a meeting with a delegation of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) headed by its chairman, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, the chief minister underlined the need for preventing anti-state indoctrination of students.

He noted that organised groups in many universities across Balochistan and the country were involved in fostering such sentiments.

Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, cabinet members Sadiq Umrani and Bakht Mohammad Kakar, MPA Asghar Tareen, and high officials also attended the meeting.

CM Bugti said his government would raise awareness about this issue by organising a national conference to address it.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024