Staff Reporter:
QUETTA, May 15 – Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has called on Baloch intellectuals to reflect on the painful lessons of history and guide future generations in the right direction, emphasizing the need to reassess whether the so-called “freedom struggle” has yielded progress or destruction.
Addressing the Balochistan High Court Bar Association on Thursday, CM Bugti said, “Pakistan has withstood all conspiracies to divide it and remains united. The current wave of terrorism in Balochistan began after the assassination of Justice Nawaz Marri near a court.
He praised the resilience of state institutions, stating, “Today, schools, colleges, and courts are functioning in Quetta while terrorists have been wiped out — this is the success of our state.”
Bugti condemned the romanticization of violence under separatist ideologies, adding, “The dream of a separate state was fueled by extremist ideology, which brought bloodshed. In contrast, leaders like Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo set a precedent for political struggle to achieve rights — we must learn from them.”
He criticized events held by organizations like BYC where Pakistan’s flag is burned and songs of ‘freedom’ are played. “These actions are in violation of the Constitution. It’s regrettable that lawyers defend such elements — is it constitutional to represent terrorists?” he questioned.
Highlighting foreign involvement, Bugti said, “Afghanistan’s soil has been used against Pakistan. Mossad, RAW, and other agencies have incited unrest here, even using some of our own intellectuals.”
Bugti warned that the Baloch separatist movement would meet the same fate as the Kurdish movement in Turkey. “One day, Baloch youth will question why they were pushed toward violence. The notion that every slain Punjabi or soldier was a spy must end — killing innocent civilians has never been part of Baloch culture.”
He announced a Rs. 50 million grant for the High Court Bar Association and unveiled several welfare initiatives for lawyers, including a housing scheme, health insurance, libraries, pink scooters and vans for female lawyers, shuttle bus service, and office spaces on subsidized rent at the Municipal Plaza.
“The path to peace and progress lies in constitutionalism, not extremism,” Bugti stressed, urging lawyers to uphold justice and legality.
The event was also addressed by Supreme Court Bar Association President Mian Rauf Ata and BHCBA President Mir Attaullah Lango. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Advocate General Adnan Basharat were present.
