QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the history of Balochistan, stressing that its accession to Pakistan was based on mutual consent, and the notion of forced accession was a propaganda.

He made these remarks while addressing the participants of the ongoing 14th National Workshop Balochistan.

CM Bugti clarified that labeling localised operations as province-wide actions is incorrect.

He explained that past operations were limited to specific areas to address insurgency, and it is important to correct these historical misconceptions.

The chief minister said Balochistan is being pushed towards instability in three major ways: through violence leading to the deaths of innocent people, through baseless social media propaganda spreading hatred against the state, and through negative social tactics that create instability within society. He stressed the need to present Balochistan’s true image to the outside world, grounded in facts.

Regarding Balochistan’s underdevelopment, the chief minister said it was not due to external influences, but the result of mistreatment by its own people.

Mr Bugti also outlined measures being taken to bridge the gap between the state and Balochi­stan’s youth, mentioning the first-ever Youth Policy and scholarships for Balochistan students for PhD studies at 200 top universities worldwide.

The provincial government will also cover the education expenses for top students from each district of Balochistan for their 16-year academic journey.

He said a strategy has been developed to train 30,000 young people in various skills over the next three years, with plans to send them abroad for employment.

The chief minister also assured that young people would be offered interest-free loans for viable business plans.

Efforts are underway to improve governance in Balochistan, including measures to “prevent the sale of government jobs”, reopen 100 schools in Pishin and revitalise non-functional educational and health institutions.

Anti-corruption efforts have been initiated, with investigations into corruption complaints starting in Kohlu and Dera Bugti.

The chief minister emphasised that the ultimate goal is to improve governance and restore the trust of Balochistan’s youth in the state.

He urged them to choose whether they want to continue in a futile conflict or move forward with educational and social development.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024