Former militant commander surrenders in Sui

DERA BUGTI:

Former militant commander Noor Khan Bugti surrendered to Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti in Sui on Sunday, with 60 individuals, including his associates and family members, laying down their arms and pledging allegiance to Pakistan.

The surrender took place at Pakistan House during a public forum convened by the chief minister, where Noor Khan Bugti and his companions took oath of loyalty to Pakistan, pledging to abandon militancy and return to the national mainstream.

According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Noor Khan Bugti had remained in hiding in the mountains for the past two decades and was allegedly involved in several terrorist activities. Following his surrender, he and his family will settle in Sui.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bugti said that establishing stability in Balochistan and across the country was a collective responsibility, requiring recognition of the state's authority and abandonment of violence.

The chief minister said Pakistan was the shared homeland of all citizens and there could be no compromise on its security, sovereignty and stability. He added that violence could not provide lasting solutions, while peace, mutual trust and the rule of law were necessary for progress and prosperity.

He said the people of Balochistan wanted peace, development and prosperity, urging young people to use their abilities for the country's progress and play a constructive role in national development.

Bugti said the decision to return to the national mainstream would benefit not only those involved but also their families and the region's future. He added that state institutions were working to establish lasting peace, but cooperation from all sections of society remained vital.