Staff Reporter:
Quetta: The Balochistan Assembly on Tuesday strongly condemned the wave of terrorist violence witnessed on January 31 across Quetta and other districts of the province, describing the attacks as a direct assault on innocent civilians and security personnel. The House unanimously passed a resolution rejecting terrorism in all its forms and reaffirming support for the state’s efforts to restore peace and stability in Balochistan.
Lawmakers from both government and opposition benches participated in the discussion, agreeing that violence against unarmed citizens could not be defended under any political or social justification. Members stressed the need for political unity and institutional coordination to counter militancy and protect the lives of ordinary people.
Addressing the House at the conclusion of the debate, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that terrorism could not be legitimised by claims of deprivation or underdevelopment. He emphasised that the Constitution of Pakistan obligated citizens to remain loyal to the state and made it clear that armed rebellion was unacceptable in any form. “Dialogue is possible, but it cannot be forced through violence. Any engagement must remain within constitutional limits,” he said.
The chief minister condemned the killing of labourers and civilians in Kachhi and other affected areas, questioning how such acts could be linked to political grievances. Referring to ongoing development efforts, he noted that thousands of previously non-functional schools had been restored across the province, including in Gwadar, arguing that progress was underway despite security challenges. He reiterated that terrorism must be condemned outright and rejected without ambiguity.
Opposition member Zabid Ali Reki urged the government to address economic and political concerns through negotiations. He pointed to prolonged border closures with Iran and Afghanistan and rising unemployment as key factors contributing to unrest, stating that poverty and lack of opportunity were pushing young people toward conflict. He called for structured dialogue to resolve these issues peacefully.
However, provincial minister Ali Madad Jattak strongly disagreed, saying that militant groups were deliberately targeting innocent civilians and disrupting public life. He stated that the government was committed to enforcing the writ of the state across Balochistan and stressed that terrorism required a firm response from both political leadership and security institutions.
Other members of the Assembly also condemned the attacks, while underscoring the need for peaceful, constitutional, and political solutions to address long-standing challenges in the province.
