No insurgency in Balochistan, only identity-based separatist narratives: CM Sarfraz Bugti
Quetta, Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has categorically said that there is no insurgency in the province, but rather a handful of elements are attempting to promote separatist narrative on the basis of identity. Addressing participants of the 21st National Workshop Balochistan in Quetta, he declared that conspiracies to divide Pakistan “like pieces of cake” will never succeed.
The event was attended by Senator Dinesh Kumar, Aide to the Chief Minister on Media and Political Affairs Shahid Rind, and Principal Secretary Imran Zarkoon.
Sarfraz Bugti warned that Baloch youth are being pushed into a futile conflict that offers no benefit to their future or the province. He rejected the notion that uneven development or backwardness is the root cause of unrest, noting that such disparities exist worldwide but do not justify violence or bloodshed. He urged young people to distinguish between perception and reality and to acquaint themselves with the true history of their province.
The Chief Minister accused anti-Pakistan elements abroad of spreading organized propaganda to mislead youth, stressing that they should instead focus on education, progress, and building a brighter future rather than becoming partstate-opposed campaigns.
Highlighting governance reforms, Bugti said the provincial government is actively listening to youth at all levels to bridge the gap between them and the state. He emphasized that meritocracy is the only way to ensure justice, pointing to the introduction of an artificial Intelligence–based testing system designed to guarantee transparency in recruitment. “No deserving candidate will be deprived of their right, and jobs will be awarded strictly on merit,” he asserted.
Sarfraz Bugti further revealed that in the past two years, the Public Sector Development Program has achieved 100 percent progress. The Anti-Corruption Department has been revitalized, while the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has begun monitoring development projects, starting from Bugti’s own constituency to send a clear message that accountability will be impartial. He confirmed that action against corrupt elements is underway, with arrests already being made.
The Chief Minister underlined that the foundations of good governance have been laid in Balochistan, with a system focused on merit, transparency, accountability, and opportunities for youth.
Following his address, Bugti engaged in a question-and-answer session lasting over two and a half hours, responding to queries on Balochistan’s history, current situation, governance, and government initiatives He also distributed laptops to outstanding female students as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence.