QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has inaugurated the province’s first research centre aimed at countering rising extremism in the province.

The inauguration ceremony of Balochistan Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism was attended by Home Minister Mir Zia Langove, members of the provincial assembly, government officials and representatives of relevant institutions.

During the event, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat briefed participants on the centre’s objectives, research scope and planned future initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the centre would highlight challenges faced by the youth through research and provide a strong foundation for practical solutions.

Bugti inaugurates digital dashboard to promote evidence-based policymaking

He said steering young people towards positive activities is the top priority of the government, adding that concrete measures were essential to discourage violent mindsets and extremist narratives.

The chief minister appreciated efforts of Home Minister Langove and Shafqaat for making the initiative possible.

After the inauguration of the centre, CM Bugti visited the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Quetta campus, where he planted a sapling and chaired a meeting.

Addressing students during a youth dialogue session, the chief minister said he was pleased to speak with the “future builders” of the country at one of its leading educational institutions.

He urged students to adopt practical research to understand the difference between perception and reality.

He said that perceptions spread faster than facts, often creating a clear gap between ground reality and impression regarding Balo­chistan. He said Paki­stan’s history contained a positive and inspiring story of Balochistan, but certain elements had distorted historical facts.

The chief minister expressed his commitment to engaging in dialogue at every level on facts related to Balochistan and the state narrative. CM Bugti said that continuous dialogue would help bridge the gap between the youth of the province and the state.

During the session lasting more than four hours, the chief minister held an extensive interaction with students and pledged not to leave without responding to every question raised by both male and female students.

Digital dashboard

At a separate event, the chief minister inaugurated the digital dashboard and publications of the Bureau of Statistics.

Working under the planning and development department the digital dashboard is aimed at promoting evidence-based policymaking in the province and modernising development planning.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly and senior officials of the provincial government.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026