CM Balochistan Inaugurates Counter-Extremism Research Center, Calls for Action Against Violent Narratives

QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has stressed the need for practical and effective measures to discourage violent thinking and extremist narratives in society, saying that such tendencies must be addressed through research, dialogue, and education.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the first-ever research center in the province, the Balochistan Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau, members of the provincial assembly, senior officials, and representatives of relevant institutions.
During the briefing, Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat outlined the objectives, research scope, and future initiatives of the center.
The chief minister said the center would help identify issues faced by youth through research and provide a solid foundation for their resolution. He emphasized that engaging young people in positive activities remains a top priority of the government, while discouraging violent ideologies requires concrete and sustained efforts.
He appreciated the efforts of the provincial interior minister and the administration for establishing the center.
Visit to NUST Quetta and Youth Dialogue
Later, the chief minister visited the administrative block of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Quetta campus, where he planted a tree and chaired a meeting. He also participated in a long youth dialogue session with students.
Addressing students, he said he was pleased to interact with future leaders at a prestigious academic institution. He urged young people to differentiate between perception and reality through research-based thinking.
Sarfaraz Bugti said society, including Pakistan, is facing challenges of propaganda-driven narratives. He alleged that certain groups that never accepted Pakistan from the beginning are involved in organized negative propaganda against the state.
He noted that perceptions often spread faster than facts, creating a distorted view of realities, particularly regarding Balochistan. He asserted that the province has a “positive and rich historical identity” within Pakistan, though some elements have misrepresented historical facts.
The chief minister reiterated his readiness to engage in dialogue on facts and state narratives at all levels.
Strong Security Context and Student Interaction
Referring to his personal security challenges, he said he had survived 17 deadly attacks and was prepared to face many more in service of the state.
He encouraged students to ask questions freely, assuring them that every question would be answered with reasoning and facts. He added that he would not leave until all questions from students were addressed.
The session lasted more than four hours, during which he reportedly instructed his staff not to interrupt or remind him of other official engagements to ensure uninterrupted dialogue with students.
Students raised questions on historical, social, political, and administrative issues, all of which were answered in detail by the chief minister with patience and reasoning.