News Desk: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has supported the federal government’s decision to deploy the Pakistan Army in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), saying the move was constitutionally justified and stressing that the security situation in KP and Balochistan could not be compared.
Addressing the Balochistan Assembly on Monday, Bugti said the Constitution provided the necessary provisions to deal with such situations and maintained that the federal government had acted within its constitutional mandate.
He criticised the role of the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in combating terrorism, alleging that its approach differed significantly from that of the Balochistan government.
“Pakistan must understand that the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as the roles of their provincial governments, cannot be compared,” Bugti said.
The chief minister alleged that funds allocated for security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been used to establish a social media team. He said security forces required government support, effective legislation and a clear political narrative to counter terrorism.
Bugti said the Balochistan government considered the fight against terrorism its responsibility and worked alongside security institutions, adding that political commitment was essential to defeating terrorist groups.
He also criticised what he described as a soft approach towards terrorism by the party governing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Referring to attacks against political leaders and workers across Pakistan, he said political parties had suffered significant losses in the fight against terrorism.
Bugti questioned why the party had apparently faced fewer major attacks than other political groups, arguing that such circumstances could create doubts about its position on terrorism. His remarks reflected his criticism of the party’s counterterrorism policy.
The chief minister also referred to past political statements concerning those accused of involvement in the killings of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Awami National Party leader Bashir Ahmed Bilour and the son of Mian Iftikhar Hussain.
Reaffirming Balochistan’s support for the federal government’s action in KP, Bugti said the decision was taken under the Constitution and should not be characterised as unconstitutional.
He added that all members of the Balochistan Assembly stood united against terrorism and supported Pakistan’s security forces in their efforts to maintain peace.
The remarks come amid renewed debate over counterterrorism measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government’s decision to deploy army personnel in the province under Article 245 of the Constitution.
