DERA BUGTI: Former militant commander Noor Khan Bugti has surrendered to Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti in Sui, with 60 people, including his associates and family members, laying down their arms and pledging allegiance to Pakistan.
The surrender took place on Sunday at Pakistan House during an open public forum convened by the chief minister. Noor Khan Bugti and his companions took an oath of loyalty to the country, pledging to abandon militancy and return to the national mainstream.
The development was announced in a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday, marking a significant move in the provincial government’s efforts to encourage individuals involved in militancy to renounce violence and rejoin civilian life.
According to the statement, Noor Khan Bugti had remained in hiding in the mountains for around two decades and was allegedly involved in several terrorist activities. Following his surrender, he and his family are expected to settle in Sui.
The government has presented the development as an opportunity to promote peace and stability in Balochistan, a province that has faced a prolonged security challenge.
Sarfraz Bugti calls for peace and stability
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said maintaining peace in Balochistan and the wider country was a collective responsibility that required recognition of the state’s authority and the abandonment of violence.
He said Pakistan was the common homeland of all citizens and stressed that there could be no compromise on the country’s security, sovereignty and stability.
The chief minister argued that violence could not offer lasting solutions to disputes, emphasising that peace, mutual trust and respect for the rule of law were essential for sustainable development.
He also urged young people in Balochistan to channel their abilities into constructive activities and contribute to the country’s progress rather than becoming involved in violence.
Government seeks wider return to mainstream
Bugti said the decision by Noor Khan Bugti and his companions to return to the national mainstream would benefit not only those involved but also their families and the future of the region.
He maintained that state institutions were continuing their efforts to establish lasting peace, adding that cooperation from all segments of society was essential to achieving that objective.
The surrender comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities in Balochistan to improve security and encourage individuals involved in militancy to abandon armed activity.
The participation of family members and associates in the ceremony also highlighted the wider community dimension of the development, although the official statement did not provide a detailed breakdown of the 60 individuals or specify how many were former fighters.
The authorities have not released further details about the weapons surrendered or outlined any specific reintegration arrangements beyond confirming that Noor Khan Bugti and his family would settle in Sui.
The longer-term impact of the surrender will depend on whether those involved remain committed to abandoning violence and whether broader efforts to strengthen security, public trust and development in Balochistan continue to make progress.
