Bugti announces amnesty for Baloch militants

Balochistan CM urges separatists to ‘descend from mountains’

KARACHI:

The newly elected chief minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, has once again urged Baloch separatists to abandon violence and return to their homes. He has pledged that his government will grant complete amnesty to all militants who lay down their arms.

"We extend an invitation to those who retreated to the mountains to come back. I hereby declare a general amnesty for those returning from the mountains," Bugti said on Sunday during a discussion with journalists after visiting the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation in Karachi.

He said the people of Balochistan hold Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in high regard, which is why he deemed it necessary to pay homage at his mausoleum after assuming office as the chief minister of Balochistan.

Bugti said ensuring peace and security in Balochistan remains a significant challenge. “PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is earnest about addressing the issues confronting the province,” added Bugti, who hails from the PPP.

He noted that the PPP also raised concerns about alleged rigging in certain areas during the February 8 elections. However, he condemned a statement made by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding people losing faith in the newly elected parliament.

“The Maulana's party has consistently secured 8 seats from Balochistan. Maulana Sahib lost from his own constituency in Dera Ismail Khan,” he said.

Bugti said before arriving in Karachi, he visited Gwadar, where heavy rains last week caused significant damage. “I have deployed the chief secretary there. We are striving to clear all accumulated water in the city by Monday (today),” he assured.

During his visit to Gwadar earlier, Bugti instructed the administration to continue rescue and rehabilitation operations for the affected people and ensure the swift drainage of rainwater from the affected areas. This directive was given during a high-level meeting chaired by Bugti.

He acknowledged the unprecedented situation caused by incessant rains in Gwadar and assured that the government would extend all necessary assistance to the victims. He directed the relevant departments to expedite rehabilitation and relief efforts in the rain-affected regions to safeguard lives and properties.

Commissioner Makran Division Saeed Ahmed Umrani and Deputy Commissioner Kech Aurangzeb Badini informed the meeting that approximately 187mm of rainfall had been recorded in the area during the recent spell. They reported that families affected by the torrential rain were promptly relocated to safer locations and provided with essential aid, including rations.

The chief minister commended the prompt relief actions taken by the authorities and instructed them to continue their efforts until normalcy is restored in the area.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP