Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday announced that the provincial government is ready to hold political dialogue with individuals willing to abandon terrorism, offering them rehabilitation, government employment, education for their children and healthcare facilities. At the same time, he warned that security operations against terrorists would continue until peace is restored across the province.
The announcement comes as Balochistan faces an increase in terrorist violence in 2026. Earlier this year, coordinated terrorist attacks across several districts claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel, prompting security forces to launch a large-scale counterterrorism operation in which more than 100 terrorists were killed.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the 20th Basic Training Course of the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) in Quetta, the chief minister said the government remained committed to resolving issues through political engagement for those willing to renounce violence.
“The door of political dialogue remains open for everyone, even those whose groups have been involved in bloodshed,” Bugti said.
Government Jobs and Rehabilitation for Surrendering Terrorists
CM Bugti said the provincial government has finalized a rehabilitation programme aimed at reintegrating former terrorists into society.
Under the proposed plan, individuals who surrender and abandon armed activities will be offered:
- Government employment opportunities
- Educational support for their children
- Healthcare facilities
- Assistance for social reintegration
He said the initiative is intended to encourage terrorists to choose peace and become productive members of society.
“If they continue to take up arms and challenge the writ of the state, then the government, the people and the security forces will not surrender before them,” he said.
Security Forces to Continue Counterterrorism Operations
The chief minister reaffirmed that joint operations against terrorist groups will continue across Balochistan.
He said the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) are working together to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace in the province.
According to Bugti, although the security situation worsened after 2017-18, ongoing intelligence-based and coordinated operations will ultimately defeat terrorist groups.
Political Criticism Should Not Target Security Forces
CM Bugti also urged political leaders to separate political disagreements from issues of national security.
He said criticism of the government is part of democracy, but attacks on the country’s armed forces should not be equated with political discourse.
“You are free to criticize my government and hold me accountable for any shortcomings, but politics should never be equated with terrorism,” he said.
He further emphasized that politicians should avoid targeting Pakistan’s security forces in political speeches.
Rs150 Million Announced for ATF School
Addressing newly graduated Anti-Terrorism Force cadets, Bugti described them as selected officers entrusted with protecting the people, the province and Pakistan.
He announced Rs150 million for the improvement of the Anti-Terrorism Force training school’s infrastructure and said the provincial government is reviewing proposals to modernize security training to meet evolving counterterrorism challenges.
The chief minister also highlighted that his government has enhanced financial benefits and welfare packages for police personnel and the families of martyred officers.
