• CM Bugti unveils provincial action plan
• Emphasises ‘realistic understanding’ of issues
• Says govt open to engaging youth who renounce violence, but no talks with separatists or militants

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti stated that the province’s security forces are operating in a “grey zone,” where identifying threats is difficult and requires a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy.

He announced the implementation of a Provincial Action Plan aimed at establishing lasting peace, with upgraded mechanisms for timely responses.

Speaking at the 16th National Workshop on Balochistan on Wednesday, attended by Adviser on Women Development Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, MPAs Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch and Waja Khair Jan Baloch, and senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries Hamza Shafqaat and Zahid Saleem, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, and government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the chief minister emphasised the importance of understanding Balochistan’s problems within their historical framework.

He noted that anti-state sentiments in Balochistan have been fueled by historical misinterpretations and narrow narratives. According to him, perceptions about the province often differ sharply from reality, especially outside Balochistan, and must be corrected through greater historical understanding.

CM Bugti highlighted the ideological diversity in Balochistan’s political past by referencing separatist leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and democratic advocate Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo. He linked current anti-state activity to distorted historical narratives and said the government is open to dialogue with disillusioned youth—provided they work within constitutional limits. Those advocating violence or secession, however, would not be engaged.

“Terrorism—whether justified by nationalism or religion—is unacceptable,” he stressed.

Rejecting the idea that the insurgency stems from underdevelopment or joblessness, Bugti clarified that these concerns, while valid, do not justify armed rebellion. He said those who take up arms are pursuing a separatist agenda, which runs counter to the Constitution and national unity.

Referring to past operations, he said isolated action in areas like Kalat was often misrepresented as province-wide military action, calling for an accurate reading of history to shape a better future.

“Terrorist groups cannot sustain long-term control. Their objective is to instill fear and disturb peace,” he warned, adding that the Baloch people are being pushed toward a damaging and pointless conflict that must be avoided.

On the issue of missing persons, he noted that the provincial government has introduced thorough legislation to improve investigation processes. Broader governance and service reforms are also being implemented to improve public service delivery and rebuild public trust.

Discussing health and education, Bugti said that nearly all hiring in these sectors—99.99 per cent —was done purely on merit. He added that Balochistan’s students are being granted national and international scholarships to help them compete globally.

On anti-corruption efforts, he stated that the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team and the Anti-Corruption Department have been made fully functional to ensure transparency. Key appointments in education boards, such as the Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education and the Textbook Board, were based on merit, leading to significant improvements.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2025