State will not be held hostage, warns Bugti

Says he is open to talks with Dr Mahrung for sake of peace

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has condemned the “one-sided narrative” and “propaganda” surrounding the ongoing sit-in in Gwadar and extended an invitation to Dr Mahrang Baloch and the Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC) for negotiations.

He reported that 16 FC personnel were injured in the Gwadar violence, with one losing an eye. “The state will not be held hostage by anyone, but for the sake of peace, we once again invite Mahrang Baloch for negotiations,” he added.

Speaking in the Balochistan Assembly on Monday, Bugi criticised the international and local portrayal of the Gwadar incident. “India and the UK have highlighted this issue, while some of our political leaders have used it for their vote banks,” he stated, adding, “In Gwadar, violent mobs have attacked security forces.”

Bugti emphasised the government’s responsibility to protect all citizens, saying, “We cannot leave ordinary people at the mercy of violent mobs. No political leader speaks when non-locals are killed or kidnapped, yet some make statements about missing persons and then say something entirely different in private.”

He explained that a large delegation was expected in Gwadar, leading the BYC to stage their sit-in. “We asked Mahrang to hold their rally elsewhere, and the government would provide all facilities and responsibilities,” he said. “We were aware of their intentions to disrupt peace and order,” he remarked.

Bugti pointed out that the Gwadar protest turned violent, with security personnel attacked. “We cannot allow mobs to run the assembly,” he declared. “There is a significant conspiracy against Pakistan, involving certain elements, self-proclaimed human rights advocates, political leaders, and social media.”

He refuted claims that the entire province was shut down, stating that life in every division was normal. “The people of Balochistan know that their progress is with Pakistan,” he added, criticising social media for spreading discord.

Highlighting the progress of the Baloch people, Bugti noted, “Today, a Baloch is the President of Pakistan, which indicates our development.” He affirmed the government’s readiness for dialogue. “The doors for negotiations remain open. We are prepared to accept all demands of the protesters, except one.”

He questioned the silence over abductions and suggested no restrictions on business activities across provincial lines. “Balochistan cannot afford further unrest. A certain faction is continuously trying to create a rift between the government and the people.”

Last week, women parliamentarians of the Balochistan Assembly invited Dr Mahrang Baloch to engage in dialogue, emphasising that issues are resolved through negotiations and understanding. They indicated that there was no objection to protests as long as the law was respected.

At the time, These views were expressed by Dr Rubaba Buledi, Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, Meena Majeed, Hadiya Nawaz, and Farah Azeem Shah. They emphasised that no one should take the law into their own hands and highlighted that the Pakistani army is a protector, and every citizen has the right to protest within the confines of the law.

Meena Majeed Baloch said that the sit-in and protest in Quetta claimed to be peaceful, but police vehicles were set ablaze. “There are important meetings and delegations regarding CPEC scheduled in Gwadar. Therefore, any place other than Gwadar is acceptable to us,” she said, adding that events in Gwadar, such as Baloch Raji Muchi, could disturb the situation in the city.

Dr Rubaba Buledi said that a joint resolution for women’s causes was passed by the Balochistan Assembly yesterday, under which all parties will work for the welfare of Balochistan’s women.