QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, while participating in an open discussion space on the social media platform X, has rebuffed claims about the province, particularly regarding the missing persons issue.

The dialogue drew over 16,000 participants, including sub-nationalists, NGO representatives, and critics, and was praised for its clarity and reliance on verifiable facts, according to a statement issued by the CM’s Secretariat.

During the discussion, CM Bugti highlighted that under the youth engagement plan, multiple projects were underway to provide better opportunities for young people across all districts, including Gwadar.

He criticised the Baloch Yakjehti Committee for attempting to incite violence.

He also said the provincial government introduced pension reforms, an electric vehicles policy, reduced unnecessary expenditures, and implemented comprehensive reforms across departments.

Special funds have also been allocated for higher education scholarships through the Education Endowment Fund, according to him.

Observers believe the chief minister’s stance has helped neutralised propaganda against Balochistan. The overwhelming participation of youth and their endorsement of the state’s narrative was seen as “clear evidence of the failure of foreign-backed proxies”.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2026