Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti acknowledged the alarming security situation in the province, asserting that terrorists will not be allowed to dominate even a small area of land for more than three hours.
Bugti spoke at the inauguration of a Ramadan relief program. The event was held at the PDMA office in Quetta on Sunday. He assured transparency in distributing ration bags. Each bag weighs 48 kg. The program will support 250,000 families. He directed all provincial commissioners to work with parliament members. The goal is to ensure aid reaches those in need. He noted that remote areas of Balochistan lack modern banking facilities. This is unlike federal and Punjab government programs, which deliver assistance directly to bank accounts.
Read more: Terrorists won’t hold an inch of land for even three hours: Balochistan CM
Bugti addressed the issue of protests and road blockades. He emphasized respecting the right to protest. However, blocking national highways is unacceptable. It causes disruption to the public, particularly patients and the elderly. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reopening roads and maintaining order, citing past interventions, including in Gwadar.
Responding to criticism from opposition leaders such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Omar Ayub, Bugti challenged claims of districts declaring independence, asking for concrete examples while reaffirming the need for facts in such statements. He announced an upcoming Apex Committee meeting to develop strategies and plans to replace underperforming deputy commissioners immediately.
On the issue of missing persons, Bugti called it a deeply complex matter tied to groups using road blockades as leverage against the government. He urged stakeholders and civil society to cooperate in addressing this issue. He emphasized that authorities are working to establish centers to hold missing persons, allowing family visits, a measure already approved by the National Assembly and awaiting Senate approval.
Bugti expressed willingness to support Sindh with locating Shahzaib Marri in Balochistan if needed, though he clarified that no specific information has been provided about Marri’s presence in the province.
He agreed with Nawabzada Khalid Magsi’s remarks that the province’s situation demands serious attention, urging the federal government to increase funding for levies and police forces to strengthen law enforcement capacity. He also outlined plans to upgrade security in “B Areas” to “A Areas” to enhance governance and safety.
Bugti attributed the rise in terrorism to the previous government’s policies, particularly the release of TTP commanders, who reinstituted camps. He noted that the flow of advanced weaponry from Afghanistan after the US withdrawal has intensified the challenge, with terrorists using sophisticated thermal technology for long-range attacks.
Despite these challenges, Bugti remained optimistic. He pointed to effective strategies and federal support as key components in overcoming the current crisis. “Balochistan is vast,” he stated. “If anyone is hiding within its expanse, they must provide specific information about their location.”
Bugti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace. We will achieve this through strategic planning, collaborating with the federal government, and working together. The aim is to resolve Balochistan’s pressing issues and address the broader threat of extremism.
