Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday said the provincial government was willing to engage in political dialogue with opponents and offer rehabilitation to those willing to renounce violence, while warning that security forces would continue action against militants who refused to lay down arms.
The chief minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of a surge in militant violence in Balochistan this year. In January, coordinated attacks across multiple districts martyred dozens of civilians and security personnel before security forces launched a large-scale counteroffensive operation against the insurgents and killed more than 100.
Addressing the passing-out parade of the Anti Terrorism Force’s 20th basic training course in Quetta, the chief minister said, “The door of political discourse is open for all, even though some factions are guilty of bloodshed.”
He said the government had prepared a reintegration plan for those who abandoned militancy, under which they would be offered government jobs, education for their children and healthcare facilities.
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“If they still choose to bear arms and rebel, the government, the people and the security forces will not bow to the pressure.”
He highlighted that militants who surrendered would be allowed to rejoin society and contribute to the province’s progress and development.
CM Bugti warned that the Balochistan government, Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, Counter Terrorism Department and Anti Terrorism Force (ATF) were working jointly to eliminate terrorism and restore peace in the province.
He maintained that although the security situation had deteriorated after 2017-18, the ongoing joint operations would succeed in eliminating militant groups.
The chief minister urged political parties to avoid equating politics with terrorism, saying criticism of the government was acceptable, but attacks on the country’s soldiers were not.
“You can rebuke my government and me for failings, but drawing parallels between politics and terrorism is unacceptable,” he stated, stressing, “Politicians must refrain from targeting the country’s soldiers in their tirades.”
The top provincial minister also asserted that Pakistan would “remain forever” and therefore attempts by elements to undermine its sovereignty will be futile.
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Addressing the newly graduated cadets, he described them as “chosen people” entrusted with protecting the public, the province and the country.
CM Bugti said the government was reviewing proposals to improve the training of security personnel in line with evolving security challenges.
The chief minister also announced Rs150 million in funds for the improvement of the Anti Terrorism Force school’s infrastructure and said his government had enhanced benefits and privileges for police personnel and the families of martyrs.
