QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the province’s problems cannot be resolved through violence or armed struggle. He stressed that education, dialogue, political engagement and democratic attitudes are the only sustainable ways to address the challenges facing Balochistan.
Speaking at the convocation of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Lahore on Saturday, Bugti said the loyalty of the people of Balochistan to Pakistan was unconditional. He said residents of the province were equal citizens of the country and deserved equal opportunities, development and access to education.
The chief minister said genuine problems in Balochistan needed to be acknowledged and addressed. These include underdevelopment, deprivation and limited opportunities for local communities. However, he warned against using these issues to justify separatist violence or armed attacks.
Bugti said some quarters were spreading confusion and misleading narratives while claiming to highlight the province’s problems. He said discussions about Balochistan should be based on facts and a clear understanding of the situation. Analysts and observers also had a responsibility not to make violence appear acceptable under any circumstances.
Three major challenges facing Balochistan
The chief minister identified three major challenges confronting the province. These include narratives that attempt to justify violence, armed terrorism and the spread of misleading information among young people through social media.
Discussing the security situation, Bugti said armed groups were targeting innocent citizens and damaging public infrastructure. He said terrorist attacks were causing serious human losses and disrupting the province’s development.
He added that terrorism was not limited to the loss of lives. It was also damaging economic activities, educational opportunities and efforts to build a better future for the people of Balochistan.
Bugti said every citizen had the right to disagree with the government and raise political demands. Political differences and grievances were part of democratic society. However, no individual or group had the right to impose its views on others through weapons.
He stressed that the government could not accept violence as a means of achieving political objectives. He said the province needed political solutions and democratic engagement rather than armed confrontation.
The chief minister also raised concerns about the impact of social media on young people. He said misleading information and negative propaganda were being used to influence the thinking of the younger generation.
He urged students to examine every piece of information through research and facts. Young people should not accept political claims or online narratives without checking their authenticity, he added.
Bugti said educational institutions had an important responsibility in shaping the future of society. Universities should not limit their role to providing degrees and academic qualifications.
Instead, they should prepare responsible citizens who can think independently, question information and contribute positively to society. He said education could help young people stay away from extremism, violence and misleading ideologies.
The chief minister said the youth of Balochistan had considerable talent and potential. They needed proper guidance, quality education and modern skills to play an effective role in the country’s development.
