Nawab Bugti’s Legacy Should Not Be Avenged by Small Players: CM Balochistan

Quetta: Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, said that Balochistan’s youth have been pushed into a futile conflict and urged people to stop viewing the province through the lens of missing persons. He emphasized that understanding Balochistan’s issues requires examining its history.

He stated that Nawab Akbar Bugti was a great leader, but minor actors are avenging his legacy. The government’s doors remain open for dialogue with armed groups under the Constitution of Pakistan, and discussions regarding missing persons can also take place through Maharang.

Addressing violence in Balochistan, the Chief Minister said that protests and gatherings are every citizen’s right, but the government retains authority over security arrangements and the choice of venue. He highlighted that historically, nationalist groups maintained separate stances for decades, and Nawab Akbar Bugti established the first anti-state camp on June 21, 2002.

Bugti Speaks on Nawab Bugti’s Legacy: Violence, Missing Persons, and True History Must Be Addressed

He criticized targeted attacks against Punjabis in the province, stating that these acts aim to undermine Pakistan’s stability. He added that while some individuals support Pakistan, organized propaganda is used against them.

Regarding incidents like the killing of Shabbir Baloch in Gwadar, he stressed that such events are deeply concerning and that comprehensive national strategies, strong intelligence networks, transparent investigations, and socio-economic reforms are essential for lasting peace in the province.

The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of missing persons, stating that similar cases occur across the country, and justice must follow due process based on evidence. He emphasized that identifying those linked to armed groups requires proper intelligence tools, and the public needs confidence in these procedures.

He called for cooperation from local leaders, political parties, intelligence agencies, and citizens to ensure long-term stability and development in Balochistan. He reiterated that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest, it must not infringe upon the rights of others or disrupt public order. Measures such as roadblocks or obstructing emergency services will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will act within legal and humane boundaries.

Mir Sarfraz Bugti concluded that all narratives, popular or not, should be discussed objectively, ensuring that the true history of Balochistan and Pakistan is presented to the public, including verified facts regarding individuals allegedly involved in militancy.