Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has declared that the province’s ongoing unrest is not a political dispute but a security crisis that can only be resolved through military action, firmly rejecting the idea of negotiations with armed groups.
Speaking in a media interview and later at a press conference in Quetta, Bugti said the state cannot treat violent organisations as political stakeholders.
He questioned how talks could be held with a group that uses guns and attacks civilians instead of participating in democratic processes.
No Talks with BLA, Says CM
Bugti made it clear that the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) would not be recognised as a political entity.
According to him, the group is attempting to impose its ideology through force, leaving the government with no option but to respond with force to restore the writ of the state.
He added that the state’s responsibility is to protect citizens and maintain order, not to legitimise militant violence through dialogue.
Militant Numbers “Greatly Exaggerated”
The chief minister also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting thousands of militants took part in recent coordinated attacks.
He said the actual number of attackers was far smaller, and that inflated figures were part of a disinformation effort aimed at spreading fear and confusion.
Bugti further alleged that militant groups deliberately use civilians as human shields, particularly in urban centres, to complicate security operations and influence public perception.
Blames Post-2018 “Appeasement Policy”
Bugti linked the resurgence of organised militancy to what he described as a policy of appeasement adopted after 2018.
He said that before this period, security forces maintained a stronger and more visible presence across the province, including checkpoints operated by the Frontier Corps along major highways.
According to Bugti, the softer approach allowed militant networks time to regroup and reorganise.
He claimed that by 2021, militant groups had regained structure, and by 2023–24 they had grown more coordinated and capable. After assuming office in 2024, Bugti said his administration reviewed that strategy and returned to a tougher security posture.
Militant Leadership Operating from Afghanistan
Bugti also addressed reports regarding senior militant commander Bashir Zeb. While he said circulating videos could not be independently verified, he maintained that official assessments strongly indicate the commander is in Afghanistan.
He alleged that Afghan territory is being used to plan and direct attacks inside Pakistan and said militant leadership continues to operate from across the border.
“State Will Not Surrender”
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Bugti said the state would not back down in the face of militant violence.
He maintained that the overwhelming majority of Balochistan’s population stands with Pakistan, describing support for insurgents as limited to a very small percentage — something he said is common in conflict regions around the world.
Bugti concluded that the government’s policy is clear: no concessions to armed groups and full enforcement of state authority through decisive security action.
