Manan Mandokhail:Â
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has labeled the Baloch Raji Machi protests in Gwadar as a deliberate conspiracy against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Addressing the provincial assembly, Bugti emphasized the government’s commitment to democracy and peaceful resolution of issues but condemned any acts of terrorism and extremism.
“The situation in Gwadar has been brought under control thanks to the intervention of security forces,” Bugti stated. He revealed that 16 Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were injured during the unrest, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The Chief Minister accused the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) of exploiting the protests to pursue a dangerous agenda, suggesting that their actions were not merely about local grievances but had broader implications for the stability of the region.
Bugti reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue but will not tolerate actions that threaten national security or the integrity of the state. He called for calm and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful and constructive resolution.