Targeting unarmed people not part of Baloch traditions: Balochistan CM

Bugti vows to eliminate those advocating state breakup or violence, assuring protection for innocent Baloch citizens.

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Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Jaffar Express and the hostage-taking of passengers by terrorists, stating that "targeting unarmed people is not part of Baloch traditions."

Speaking at a session of the Balochistan Assembly on Wednesday, Bugti questioned, "Why are we afraid to name those [elements] who are carrying out killings in Balochistan?"

Unknown number of militants blew up a railway track, opened fire, and hijacked the Jaffar Express near Bolan in Balochistan on Tuesday. The train, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was carrying over 400 passengers on a 30-hour journey.

Bugti further questioned: "Should we apologise to them for the killings of 500 people?" He stressed that terrorists were attempting to impose their ideology through violence, declaring that even war had its principles. He also noted the rich history of bravery and hospitality within the Baloch people.

The chief minister condemned the actions of terrorists, citing incidents where innocent civilians, including hairdressers and laundrymen, were abducted and killed.

He asserted that these elements were not interested in dialogue and reiterated multiple times during in-camera briefings that such groups would not succeed in seizing any land in Balochistan.

Bugti pledged that anyone advocating for the breakup of the state or resorting to arms would be eliminated. He assured that the state would protect the common Baloch people, but would not tolerate those involved in the killing of innocent citizens.

In response to the attack, the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution condemning the terrorist violence, which was presented by Adviser to the Chief Minister on Sports and Youth Affairs, Meena Majeed Baloch.