QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday said that the state’s writ would be maintained in the province at all costs and no closure of highways and anti-state activities would be tolerated in the province.

Presiding over a meeting on the overall situation of the province on Monday, the chief minister said that strict action would be taken against those government employees who are found involved in anti-state propaganda and activities.

At the beginning of the meeting, prayers and fateha were offered for the people martyred in terrorist incidents in the province.

The chief minister issued directives to all commissioners and district officers to identify those employees who are involved in anti-state activities and take legal action against them.

Announces interest-free loans for youth

Mr Bugti said that national anthem would be sung and national flag hoisted in all educational institutions of Balochistan and head of those institutions not complying with the government’s orders will have to resign.

The CM said that implementing the state writ is the constitutional responsibility of every government official and any official not willing to work according to the government’s policy should voluntarily resign from his post.

He said extortion would not be tolerated at any checkpoints in Balochistan and if any such complaint is received, the SHO or Levies’ risaldar concerned would be immediately arrested.

He directed district officers to promote government policies in public gatherings and inform the people that the government is providing ample opportunities for education and development of the youth of Balochistan.

The chief minister said that anti-state elements are pushing the Baloch youth into a futile war as nothing will be gained from this exercise, adding that the culture of Balochistan is the guardians’ traditions, in which the killing of passengers and innocent labourers is a barbaric act.

The Baloch culture is not the one what is being imposed today as women have thrown off their veils and men have covered their faces, Mr Bugti said.

“We have to lead our youth to the path of development and prosperity instead of a futile war,” the chief minister said.

He said that merit is being promoted at all levels in the province so that the trust of the youth in the state is restored.

He said with the cooperation of Akhuwat Foundation, an NGO, interest-free loans are being provided to the youth for employment.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2025