CM Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti Calls for Peace Talks, Condemns Targeted Killings of Innocent Workers

Quetta,Matiari:Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has reiterated that anyone who wishes to engage in dialogue with the state must first lay down their arms, adding that the government and the state have never closed the doors to talks. He expressed these views on Sunday after participating in the annual Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai at the Bhit Shah shrine in Matiari, Sindh. During the visit, he interacted with the media alongside Sindh’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, and Balochistan’s provincial ministers Mir Zahoor Ahmed Baledi and Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umarani.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan emphasized that the government is open to talks within the framework of the constitution but strongly condemned the recent targeted killings of innocent laborers. “It is intolerable to forcibly remove innocent workers from buses and kill them,” he stated. He also praised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for consistently supporting the oppressed people and vowed that the perpetrators of such heinous acts will be held accountable.

Mir Sarfaraz Bugti pointed out that the issue of missing persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is more severe than in Balochistan, yet the media rarely discusses it. “On the other hand, in Balochistan, the issue of missing persons is exploited for propaganda against the state,” he added. He raised questions about the double standards in media coverage, noting that while terrorism across Pakistan, from Karachi to Khyber, is rightly labeled as terrorism, attacks in Balochistan are referred to with different terms. “Why are terrorists in Balochistan treated differently? Why the distinction?”

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, stating that the state has tasked them with ensuring security and law and order, a responsibility they will fulfill at all costs. He further stated that he would never betray the trust of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, and promised to introduce a governance model in Balochistan that directly benefits the common people.

Mir Sarfaraz Bugti also declared that for the first time in Balochistan’s history, the government has held powerful individuals accountable, proving that the law is equal for everyone. He assured that those responsible for the Degari incident, which he described as an act of barbarism, would be brought to justice. “This is not the way a tribal society behaves. We stand with the oppressed,” he added.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the launch of an air and ferry service to facilitate Iranian pilgrims traveling to Balochistan. He clarified that the security issues faced by the pilgrims are not just related to security concerns but also other underlying reasons. “During the 800 km long journey, we have always provided complete security to the pilgrims,” he affirmed.

Finally, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti urged the media to portray the true image of Balochistan, calling for fair and unbiased coverage. “Pakistan Peoples Party has always fought for freedom of the press, and I request the media to not view Balochistan through the lens of a few individuals but to present the true face of the province to the world,” he concluded.

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