Bugti urges militants to shun violance

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has extended a welcoming message to militants who have shunned violence and returned from the “darkness”. He emphasised the government’s readiness to offer comprehensive support to those who opt for peace and seek to join the mainstream.

The chief minister expressed his viewS while addressing a seminar titled ‘Balochistan Youth State Harmony Summit’ organised by the Balochistan University of Information Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) in collaboration with the Voice of Balochistan. MPA, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, former militant commander Sarfraz Banglazai, senior journalist and anchorperson Shahid Rind, BUITEMS Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Hafeez were also part of the panel.

Addressing the participants, Bugti regretted the long-term incitement of animosity among the Balochistan youth.

He stressed the importance of separating perceptions from facts, saying “instead of telling the facts, anti-state elements tell anti-state stories on various issues and past events of the province.”

The only entity with the authority to use force against people who contest the legitimacy of the government is the state, he maintained, adding that no one should be allowed to use force for pressing their demands since it is against religion, customs, culture, and society.

Appreciating former militant commander Sarfraz Bangulzai’s surrender, the chief minister noted that although he was on the wrong track, the state welcomed him back into society. “Government will help every such individual who wants to join mainstream,” he said. About the impression of disgruntled Balochs, he said those who choose path of violence and take the lives of innocent citizen were not the disgruntled Baloch, but were the militants.

“There will be a gap between the state and the youth when jobs will be sold for money instead of merit, Bugti said, reiterating government resolve that no job will be sold in his tenure.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2024.