Web Desk:
QUETTA, August 14, 2026: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said the government remains open to dialogue within the framework of Pakistan’s Constitution, but warned that no ideology can be imposed through the use of force.
Addressing a ceremony marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day at the Balochistan Assembly lawns in Quetta, Bugti said those who had chosen violence should abandon terrorism and return to the national mainstream.
“Doors for dialogue have always remained open and will continue to remain open,” the chief minister said, adding that the government was willing to engage in any legitimate political process.
Bugti, however, said negotiations could not be held with groups involved in killing innocent civilians. He argued that successful conflict-resolution efforts elsewhere had involved political forces participating in a political process rather than militant groups.
‘Violence Cannot Impose an Ideology’
The chief minister said armed groups were pushing the Baloch people into what he described as a futile conflict.
He urged those involved in violence to give up the path of terrorism, while making clear that the state would continue to enforce its writ if attacks did not stop.
“The writ of the state will be maintained at all costs,” Bugti said, stressing that the Balochistan government, security forces, Pakistan’s armed forces and Balochistan Police would not retreat from their efforts to maintain law and order.
He said the government would take whatever measures were necessary to protect the state’s authority and the lives of citizens.
Bugti Says Balochistan’s Youth Must Be Brought Into Mainstream
Bugti also highlighted the importance of integrating Balochistan’s young population into the national mainstream, saying merit-based opportunities were central to achieving that goal.
He said his government was taking several steps to provide young people with greater opportunities and expressed confidence that Balochistan’s younger generation would become increasingly connected with the state.
The chief minister said merit-based policies had already helped improve opportunities in the province and pledged to continue such efforts.
‘Balochistan Is the Heart of Pakistan’
Reflecting on Pakistan’s 79-year journey, Bugti said the country had made significant progress since independence, emerging as a nuclear power and gaining greater international importance.
He said Pakistan’s defence agreements were evidence of the country’s growing strategic significance and praised President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership.
Bugti said Independence Day celebrations across Balochistan—from districts and divisions to villages and tehsils—demonstrated the people’s attachment to Pakistan.
“Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan, and Pakistan is incomplete without Balochistan,” he said.
Tribute to Security Forces and Civilian Martyrs
The chief minister paid tribute to the Balochistan Police, Pakistan’s armed forces, Frontier Corps and civilian martyrs who lost their lives in the line of duty.
