State cannot leave citizens at mercy of terrorists: CM Sarfraz Bugti’s Address in Balochistan Assembly
Criticized political point-scoring that undermines counter-terrorism efforts, urging constructive solutions instead of rhetoric
Quetta, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has declared that the state will never abandon its citizens, security personnel, or law enforcement agencies to the mercy of terrorists.
Speaking during the provincial assembly session on Saturday, Sarfraz Bugti emphasized the urgent need to maintain a civil-military balance in Balochistan and provide an enabling environment for security forces to conduct effective operations against terrorism.
Responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri, Bugti condemned recent terrorist attacks, including the brutal killing of security personnel highlighted by MPA Noor Muhammad Dummar. He said the sacrifices of martyrs are beyond words and remain a source of pride and guidance for the nation.
Sarfraz Bugti explained that security forces are operating in a “grey zone,” facing complex challenges, and stressed that misinterpretations of his earlier statements were politically motivated.
The Chief Minister highlighted the tragic toll of terrorism, noting that almost every assembly session begins with Fateha for martyrs, adding that this honorable assembly to present the government’s stance on terrorism and development.
He recounted the recent loss of army captains in Dalbandin and Basima, leaving behind grieving families, including a six-month-old daughter. He also shared the distressing account of a child from Basima whose brother was abducted by militants.
Sarfraz Bugti underscored that the government has never asked citizens to take up arms against terrorists. Instead, the responsibility of the public is to inform authorities if their private property is being misused by militants as hideouts or launching pads. “If orchards, homes, or hotels are used for attacks, the state cannot ignore it. Timely reporting fulfills the citizen’s duty; silence risks being seen as complicity,” he said.
Addressing concerns about displacement, Bugti clarified that the current plan involves only a temporary relocation of nomadic populations in Shor Parod hills, where militant hideouts have existed for decades. He assured that families will be cared for with dignity, and the arrangement is not permanent. “No village in Balochistan has ever been evacuated, and Mastung is not part of this plan,” he stressed.
Sarfraz Bugti outlined two possible paths forward: dialogue or forceful action. While welcoming any viable peace initiative, he questioned whether negotiations have ever succeeded with groups committed to violence. He said the alternative is to strengthen governance, law enforcement, and intelligence-based operations by the military, FC, police, and CTD.
He criticized political point-scoring that undermines counter-terrorism efforts, urging constructive solutions instead of rhetoric. “This assembly must fulfill its constitutional responsibility in lawfare, just as security forces shoulder the burden of warfare,” Bugti said.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state’s demand from citizens is not armed resistance but cooperation through timely information. He appealed to the people of Balochistan to deny terrorists the use of their properties and reaffirmed that the sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain.