Bugti urges dialogue amid street protests

QUETTA:

Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, on Friday called for restraint amid ongoing protests by the Balochistan Grand Alliance, emphasizing that the government seeks relief for citizens without compromising the rule of law.

Addressing calls to initiate dialogue with the Alliance, Bugti said the Constitution empowers the government to assist citizens, particularly the unemployed and those lacking basic facilities, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. "A major portion of provincial resources is already devoted to government employees, yet the state must also provide education, healthcare, roads, and social welfare to the general public," he explained.

"Our effort is to ensure savings so that meaningful steps can be taken for the ordinary citizen," he added, stressing that the people of Balochistan are "like our own children." He reiterated the government's willingness to engage in discussions but warned of financial limitations.

Bugti highlighted that government employees have recently received a 10 per cent salary increase, and said there is no fiscal space for additional expenditures over the next six months. "We are ready to sit and discuss matters in the next financial year," he noted.