Balochistan ‘not as bleak as portrayed’, says Bugti
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the security and governance situation in the province is neither entirely ideal nor as bleak as portrayed by some quarters outside the province.
He warned that negative and one-sided narratives are harming not only Balochistan but also Pakistan’s image and the government’s efforts.
In an interview with a private television channel, CM Bugti said the national media often focuses on Balochistan only when a violent incident occurs while overlooking the province’s progress, reforms, and development initiatives.
He said the provincial government had launched several youth welfare programmes, improved services at public hospitals, made all government schools functional, and recruited nearly 17,000 teachers through a transparent, merit-based process. However, he regretted that these achievements had received little attention at the national level.
The chief minister said the creation of new divisions and districts was intended to strengthen governance and improve the delivery of public services. He explained that some existing administrative units were too large to be managed effectively, making it difficult for the state to reach remote communities. Smaller administrative units, he said, would ensure better governance, quicker resolution of public issues, and greater public access to government services.
CM on security
Discussing the security situation, CM Bugti said Pakistan enjoys the support of the international community in its fight against terrorism. He alleged that anti-Pakistan terrorists groups were receiving support from Afghan territory despite commitments that Afghan soil would not be used against other countries. He further claimed that the facilitators, financiers, and trainers of various terrorist groups were linked to an Indian intelligence network.
He acknowledged that Balochistan’s vast geography, rugged terrain, long borders, and scattered population make counterterrorism operations more challenging. Nevertheless, he said security forces were conducting operations within the framework of the law while prioritising the protection of civilians.
CM Bugti criticised attempts by some political groups to associate terrorist incidents with the state, describing such narratives as harmful and misleading. He stressed that Baloch and Pashtun youth are patriotic and urged them to remain vigilant against hostile propaganda.
The chief minister said there were no successful international examples of negotiating with armed terrorist groups. However, he emphasised that dialogue with political parties, elected representatives, and young people remains essential for addressing political, administrative, and social issues.
Meanwhile, CM Bugti chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations across the province. The meeting was attended by Corps Commander Balochistan, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, along with senior officials.
Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2026
