Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety by preventing highway blockades, while reaffirming the right to peaceful protest. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Mr. Bugti stated, “Protests are a democratic right, but it’s the government’s authority to determine suitable venues to ensure public safety.” He added that any attempt to block roads would be thwarted as part of prioritizing security in the province.
During the press conference, Mr. Bugti expressed gratitude to the federal government for supporting key development projects in Balochistan. He highlighted the dualization of the N-25 highway, which connects several vital regions, and the completion of the Kachhi Canal Project. The N-25 upgrades aim to enhance transportation infrastructure, while the canal project promises an agricultural boost by providing irrigation to vast farmland areas.
Addressing questions about the state’s priorities, CM Bugti stressed that improving security in Balochistan remains at the forefront of the government’s agenda. “Pakistan’s prosperity begins from Balochistan,” he stated, underscoring the region’s importance to national progress.
Mr. Bugti also highlighted increased public sector development spending in the province, including a Rs70 billion initiative to solarize tube wells. This project, supported jointly by federal and provincial governments, will cover 70% of costs through federal funding, showcasing a collaborative effort to uplift the region.
Accompanying federal ministers Khalid Magsi and Jam Kamal applauded CM Bugti’s leadership in negotiating with the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), which recently ended a 20-day sit-in. While acknowledging difficulties, Mr. Kamal noted that both sides must also learn from past mistakes to move forward effectively.
