News Desk – Quetta (October 14):
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that there is no insurgency in Balochistan, only a few foreign-backed separatist movements spreading propaganda to destabilize Pakistan.
Addressing participants at the 17th National Workshop Balochistan, Bugti said that anti-state elements and India’s intelligence agency RAW are actively trying to divide Pakistan and create a false image of deprivation in the province. “Enemies want to cut Pakistan into pieces like a cake,” he said, adding that the term ‘disgruntled Baloch’ was deliberately coined to justify acts of terrorism.
He declared that anyone taking up arms against the state is a terrorist, not a disgruntled citizen, noting that the first insurgent camp was established in June 2002, which triggered militancy. Bugti accused social media campaigns of fueling anti-state sentiment among the youth, but added that the government is engaging universities and communities to bridge this gap.
The Chief Minister said that the Balochistan government stands firm in its stance against terrorism, calling it a national struggle involving all citizens, not just the military. “The state comes before politics,” Bugti asserted.
Highlighting development progress, he revealed that 3,200 closed schools and 164 health units have been reopened, while Rs 100 million have been allocated for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to enhance capacity.
Bugti also said that security forces are operating in difficult areas where identifying the enemy is complex, yet recent counterterrorism actions have been highly effective. He noted that for the first time in 12 years, Assistant Commissioners have been appointed in 24 sub-divisions, restoring state authority and governance.
