War Against Terrorism Is a Collective Responsibility of the Entire State, Society, Says CM Sarfraz Bugti

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of any single institution but a collective struggle involving the entire state, civil society, police, bureaucracy, politicians and judiciary, adding that the Balochistan Police will remain on the front line in this battle.

He said the provincial government was committed to providing the Balochistan Police with modern equipment, quality training and a professional environment in which appointments and transfers would be made strictly on merit, without political interference or pressure.

Addressing a ceremony at the National Police Academy in Islamabad on Friday, marking the completion of training by newly appointed Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) from Balochistan, the chief minister said merit would remain the fundamental principle governing the posting of police officers and the performance of their professional responsibilities. He added that the police leadership itself should determine which officer was best suited for a particular assignment.

The ceremony was attended by National Police Academy Commandant Inspector General Saad Bhutta, Balochistan Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir Khan, newly trained police officers, participants of the Mid-Career Management Course, and officers from the Police Service of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau. The academy’s commandant presented the welcome address.

Bugti said upholding merit was particularly important for restoring the confidence of the younger generation in the state. All pillars of the state, he added, must demonstrate through their actions that young people would be recruited and assigned responsibilities on merit and allowed to perform their duties according to their professional abilities without political interference.

He clarified that professional independence and merit did not mean police officers could consider themselves superior to the public or behave like rulers. Police personnel were servants of the state and the people and must serve the people of Balochistan with honesty, dignity and a strong sense of responsibility.

The chief minister said police officers now faced greater responsibilities following Balochistan’s designation as a complete A-area. He described the decision as both a major responsibility and an important opportunity to demonstrate that it would help secure lasting peace and a better future for coming generations.

Addressing the newly trained officers, Bugti expressed confidence that they would bring honour to the province and country through their conduct, professional performance, fulfilment of duties and courageous response to challenges.

He said the primary responsibility of the police was to eliminate organised crime, but terrorism had also emerged as a major challenge under the prevailing circumstances. Small groups of terrorists, he said, were pursuing the malicious objective of dividing Pakistan through violence and the killing of innocent citizens. However, neither the Balochistan government nor the police would retreat from this fight.

Bugti emphasised that the war against terrorism was not merely a limited confrontation between the Pakistan Army and terrorist elements. It was a struggle involving the entire state and society, requiring every institution, including civil society, police, bureaucracy, politicians and the judiciary, to play its role.

“The Balochistan Police will stand on the front line in this war and fulfil its responsibility to defend the homeland with courage and determination,” he said.

He added that the country needed the abilities, bravery and spirit of sacrifice of young police officers. Expressing confidence in the force’s professional capabilities and sacrifices, he said the Balochistan Police would defeat violent elements targeting innocent civilians.

The chief minister paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Balochistan Police personnel for maintaining peace, saying the nation took pride in those who had laid down their lives in defence of the country. He urged officers to continue playing their role against terrorism without fear and demonstrate that a handful of violent elements could not divide Pakistan.

Bugti said the doors of the state remained open to those willing to surrender their weapons and abandon violence. However, he made it clear that those seeking to impose their ideology through armed force would not be allowed to do so.

He maintained that the legitimate and lawful authority to use force rested exclusively with the state. Police, law enforcement agencies, paramilitary forces and the armed forces were responsible for fulfilling this duty by defending the country and protecting its citizens.

The chief minister expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Balochistan IGP Muhammad Tahir Khan, the police force would effectively combat terrorists, criminal elements and those creating disorder in society.

He assured the force that the provincial government would continue providing every possible support to help it overcome challenges, eliminate terrorism and crime, and establish a conducive professional working environment.

Bugti also thanked Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating the training of Balochistan Police officers at what he described as Pakistan’s premier police academy. He appreciated the services of the National Police Academy’s commandant, trainers and staff for their round-the-clock efforts in providing the officers with physical, moral and professional training.

He expressed hope that the officers returning to Balochistan after completing their training would translate the academy’s efforts into effective performance and establish themselves as capable, responsible and dignified police officers.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the chief minister distributed training completion certificates and awards among the graduating DSPs. Miss Qurat-ul-Ain, who demonstrated outstanding performance as the best probationer, was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour.

Certificates were also distributed among participants of the Mid-Career Management Course and officers from the Police Service of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau.

Extending his best wishes to all graduating officers, Bugti assured them of his prayers and full support. He thanked the National Police Academy for the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to Pakistan’s security, stability and progress.