News Desk: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday declared that he would willingly resign from office if doing so could restore lasting peace in the province, stressing that the welfare of the people is more important than holding political office.
Speaking at a condolence reference marking the eighth death anniversary of Nawabzada Mir Siraj Khan Raisani, Bugti responded to recent remarks by Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, saying political positions are temporary but serving the people of Balochistan is a lasting responsibility.
“If my resignation can bring peace to Balochistan, I will step down without hesitation,” the chief minister said. “If Bashir Zeb or Dr Allah Nazar publicly announce that peace will return through my resignation—or even my death—I would be the first person to ask my own brother to shoot me, provided it ensures lasting peace for the people of Balochistan.”
The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Mir Ziaullah Langove, Mir Saleem Khosa, and other political leaders.
CM Rejects Politics Over Security Incidents
Responding to demands for his resignation, Bugti questioned why similar calls were not made after previous terrorist attacks in the province. He referred to the killing of 20 innocent Pashtuns in Kuchlak, the August 8, 2016 Quetta bombing that claimed the lives of dozens of lawyers, and the Police Lines suicide attack in which more than 30 police recruits were martyred.
He said those tragedies did not lead to resignations by political leaders holding public office at the time.
Bugti recalled that after the Police Lines attack, he was among the first officials to reach the scene, adding that tackling terrorism requires collective resolve rather than symbolic political gestures.
Criticise Governance, Not the Martyrs
The chief minister welcomed political criticism, saying the opposition should hold his government accountable for governance, administrative shortcomings, or corruption if there is evidence.
“You have every right to criticise my governance or administrative performance. If you believe there is corruption, raise those issues and help improve the system,” he said. “But please stop using the bodies of martyrs for political point-scoring.”
Government Ready to Address Legitimate Demands
Bugti assured the families of victims and political parties that the provincial government is prepared to address all legitimate demands through constitutional and democratic institutions.
He said matters related to legislation would be dealt with by the Balochistan Assembly, while the provincial government would fulfil its responsibilities within its constitutional mandate.
