Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that while the security situation in the province remains challenging, it is neither as dire as portrayed in some media narratives nor fully under control, stressing that terrorism cannot be eliminated through negotiations with armed militant groups.
In an interview, Bugti described Balochistan as facing a complex security environment but rejected what he called exaggerated perceptions that present the province as entirely unstable. He said both denying the challenges and overstating them would be misleading.
Security Situation “Neither Perfect Nor Out of Control”
Bugti acknowledged that Balochistan continues to face security threats but argued that public perception often overlooks positive developments taking place across the province.
He said Balochistan is usually discussed only after terrorist incidents, while progress in governance, education, healthcare, and youth development receives little attention.
According to the chief minister, the provincial government has reopened schools, recruited 17,000 teachers, expanded youth-focused initiatives, and improved healthcare services, yet these developments rarely become part of the national conversation.
Rejects Socioeconomic Justification for Violence
Bugti rejected arguments that terrorism in Balochistan can be explained solely through underdevelopment, unemployment, or economic deprivation.
He questioned why militants would target workers constructing highways such as the N-25 and N-40 if their objective was development, saying those roads and infrastructure projects directly benefit the people of Balochistan.
According to Bugti, attacks on development projects demonstrate that militant organizations seek to destabilize Pakistan rather than advance the welfare of local communities.
Administrative Reforms Aimed at Improving Governance
The chief minister defended the provincial government’s decision to create new districts and administrative divisions, saying the reforms were designed to improve governance across Balochistan’s vast territory.
He noted that some administrative divisions in Balochistan were geographically larger than entire provinces elsewhere in Pakistan, making effective governance extremely difficult.
By reducing the size of districts and divisions, government officials—including commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and law enforcement authorities—will be able to reach remote areas within a few hours instead of spending an entire day traveling, he said.
Bugti added that the restructuring is intended to strengthen the state’s presence in underserved regions and improve access to public services for residents.
Claims External Support for Militant Groups
Addressing regional security, Bugti alleged that militant organizations operating in Pakistan share common external support.
He claimed that groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) receive backing from the same external handlers and asserted that Afghan territory continues to be used by militant organizations to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Bugti further said that Balochistan’s rugged terrain, mountainous landscape, and porous borders create operational challenges for security forces.
He argued that counterterrorism operations are conducted in a complex environment where militants often operate among civilian populations, limiting the state’s use of force in order to avoid civilian casualties.
Dialogue for Citizens, Force Against Armed Militants
Bugti drew a distinction between political engagement and counterterrorism operations, saying dialogue should remain open with political parties, students, and citizens who have legitimate concerns regarding governance, corruption, or public services.
He emphasized that grievances among young people should be addressed through political reforms, merit-based governance, and public engagement.
However, he maintained that armed militant organizations cannot be defeated through negotiations alone.
“No state has eliminated terrorism by negotiating with armed terrorist groups,” Bugti said, arguing that restoring public security requires kinetic operations against those who have adopted violence while simultaneously addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens through democratic and administrative reforms.
