National Security Must Remain Above Politics, Says Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti has urged political leaders to keep national security above political differences, stressing that ground realities and the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism must be considered when comparing the situations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.
In a detailed statement on social media, Bugti said he held Maulana Fazlur Rehman in high personal regard and respected his political wisdom and experience. However, he emphasised that discussions concerning terrorism, national security and the country’s civil and military leadership must take into account the challenges facing the state and the ongoing struggle against militancy.
Bugti noted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his party had themselves been victims of terrorist attacks. He expressed the expectation that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief would consider the state’s efforts against terrorism and the sacrifices of security forces when expressing his views on such a sensitive national issue.
Comparing the two provinces, the chief minister said their approaches to counterterrorism, the conduct of political leadership and practical commitment to security should be assessed on the basis of ground realities.
Political unity against terrorism in Balochistan
Bugti said Balochistan had demonstrated that political differences between the government and opposition could be set aside in the larger national interest.
He explained that the provincial government takes opposition parties into confidence on counterterrorism strategies, important decisions and related matters in the Balochistan Assembly. He added that his government was committed to taking all parliamentary parties along.
According to the chief minister, Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri had acknowledged this approach on various occasions, while a recent speech by Balochistan National Party-Mengal parliamentary leader Mir Jahanzeb Mengal also reflected the political leadership’s recognition of its responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
Bugti said the JUI-F, National Party, Balochistan National Party-Mengal and other parliamentary parties shared a common position against terrorism. He described this political consensus as evidence that security and law-and-order issues could be addressed beyond partisan differences.
Security forces’ sacrifices must be respected
The chief minister stressed that the fight against terrorism was not merely a matter of political statements but a shared responsibility of the state and the entire nation.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of officers and personnel of the Pakistan Army and other security institutions, noting that every martyrdom left behind grieving families, bereaved parents and unfulfilled dreams.
He said such sacrifices demanded responsible political discourse whenever matters of national security were discussed.
Bugti added that whether assessing the consequences of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government’s tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or evaluating the performance of the Balochistan government, cooperation with state institutions should be an important consideration.
He acknowledged that criticism of political parties and governments was a democratic right but maintained that the fight against terrorism must remain separate from political affiliations.
Emphasising the importance of national unity, responsible political statements and positions based on ground realities, Bugti said these were essential for achieving lasting peace in the country.
“Disagreement is the beauty of democracy, but for God’s sake, do not sacrifice the state at the altar of politics,” the chief minister said, reiterating that national security must remain above political considerations.
