QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that elements operating among the public and encouraging violence, hatred and unrest were more dangerous than banned organisations because they sought to mislead the youth.
After offering Eidul Azha prayers, the chief minister visited the homes of victims of the Chaman Phatak tragedy and expressed heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the affected families. Speaking on the occasion, he said the government and the people of Balochistan stood by the bereaved families in this difficult time and would never leave them alone.
“The martyrs are heroes of the entire nation, and we are indebted to the sacred blood of our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the people and the country,” he said.
Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak, MPA Zarak Khan Mandokhail, Balochistan Inspector General Muhammad Tahir and CM’s adviser on media affairs Shahid Rind were also present on the occasion.
Chief minister visits Chaman Phatak blast victims’ families, assures compensation and support
CM Bugti reiterated that the government would continue to provide every possible support to the affected families and assured them that the losses suffered in the Chaman Phatak bombing would be fully compensated.
He said Balochistan had faced numerous incidents of terrorism and unrest over the past two decades. Since 2002, he added, the situation in the province had deteriorated, and incidents such as the killing of Justice Nawaz Marri and other tragedies had affected peace and stability.
Despite the challenges, he said, the people of Balochistan had always demonstrated courage, patience and resilience.
The chief minister said that Pakistan and Balochistan were now moving towards development, stability and progress, while the country’s role on the global stage was becoming stronger and more effective.
Referring to regional affairs, particularly the US-Iran conflict, he said Pakistan was playing a responsible and key role in easing tensions. The wisdom and foresight of the country’s political and military leadership had enhanced Pakistan’s international standing, he added.
CM Bugti alleged that hostile forces, particularly India’s intelligence agency RAW and its proxies, were attempting to create instability in Pakistan and Balochistan. However, he said, successful operations against terrorists were continuing in the province, adding that security forces had killed 10 to 12 terrorists in operations a day earlier.
He maintained that there had never been any blind use of force in Balochistan. “In places where such operations are carried out, entire areas are usually evacuated, but no such situation has occurred anywhere in Balochistan,” he said.
He said the security forces possessed the capability and professional expertise to deal with terrorists, but intelligence-driven warfare and operations in grey zones remained a major challenge, where distinguishing between friend and foe was not always easy.
“When the enemy is visible, operations become relatively easier, and the world has witnessed how Pakistan gave a much larger enemy a tough response,” he added.
The chief minister said that following terrorist incidents, certain elements launched organised propaganda campaigns against the state. He claimed that some individuals educated abroad at government expense had also been found promoting anti-state narratives.
He said the government, the public, and security institutions would continue their joint struggle for the elimination of terrorism and the establishment of lasting peace in Balochistan.
Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026