Balochistan CM urges militants to lay down weapons, reintegrate into mainstream

Says historical precedents show lasting conflict resolutions stem from organised pol dialogue, not militant coercion Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti speaks at a flag-hoisting gathering organized on the Balochistan Assembly lawns to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. — PHOTO VIA X QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday cautioned that no group would be permitted to enforce its ideology through bullets and bombs, reiterating his government’s commitment to peace through constitutionally bounded dialogue. Speaking at a flag-hoisting gathering organised on the Balochistan Assembly lawns to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the chief minister urged armed factions to lay down their weapons and reintegrate into mainstream society. He emphasised that while state doors remain open for political resolution, meaningful talks cannot take place with elements targeting non-combatants and innocent citizens. He noted that historical precedents show lasting conflict resolutions stem from organised political dialogue rather than militant coercion. Bugti expressed deep concern over misguided youth being dragged into an endless cycle of unrest by insurgent outfits. He underscored that securing the state’s authority and shielding public life remain non-negotiable priorities. The provincial administration, alongside the armed forces, Frontier Corps, and local police, will maintain law and order without compromise, he warned, affirming that state writ will prevail across the province. To counter alienation, the chief minister identified youth empowerment as a top focus for his cabinet. He detailed ongoing provincial programmes aimed at establishing merit-driven avenues in education and employment, expressing optimism that transparent policies will foster stronger ties between the younger generation and state institutions. Read: Balochistan CM rules out talks with militants Reflecting on the nation’s historical trajectory since 1947, Bugti highlighted Pakistan’s evolution into a key regional power and a nuclear-armed state. He pointed to widespread celebration rallies extending down to remote tehsils as clear proof of local patriotism, adding that Balochistan forms the core identity of the federation. Concluding his address, he honoured the civilian victims and security personnel who sacrificed their lives in the defence of peace. Earlier, seven people, including three Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel, were injured on Friday when unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau in Mastung, while the minister escaped unhurt. Read More: Seven injured in attack on Balochistan home minister’s convoy in Mastung According to a Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) report, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliates have launched 181 terrorist attacks in Balochistan in 2026, resulting in 708 civil and military casualties. Whereas, according to the South Asian Terrorism Portal, the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) eliminated 618 terrorists through thousands of Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs), apart from the ongoing Operation Shaban. The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as 'Fitna al-Hindustan', accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits. Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault. In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains underway, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.