Gun Is Not the Solution to Balochistan’s Problems; Dialogue, Education and Democratic Process Are, Says CM Bugti

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that the province is currently facing three major challenges, including armed violence, attempts to influence young minds through social media, and the spread of misleading narratives.

Addressing the convocation of the University of Management and Technology (UMT), the chief minister said attempts were being made to justify violence by linking it to deprivation and underdevelopment. However, armed violence could not be justified on the basis of any political or ideological position.

He said the solution to Balochistan’s problems lay not in guns but in dialogue, education and the democratic process.

Bugti described the killing of people and the spread of fear and insecurity by armed groups as a serious challenge facing the province.

He said efforts were being made to influence and mislead young people through social media. It was essential to develop their ability to distinguish between facts and propaganda, he added.

The chief minister said universities could play an important role in promoting awareness, reasoning and critical thinking among young people.

He stressed that the situation in Balochistan should be understood through facts rather than misleading narratives.

Bugti said the youth of Balochistan possessed immense potential, and providing them with opportunities to progress was among the government’s priorities.

He welcomed UMT’s initiative to provide scholarships to students from Balochistan, describing support extended by universities in Punjab to students from the province as a positive example of inter-provincial harmony.

The chief minister said the Balochistan government was providing education to more than 80 per cent of students through scholarships covering 80 per cent of their educational expenses.

He maintained that investment in education and the capacity-building of young people was an investment in the future of Balochistan.

Bugti said education was an effective means of protecting young people from extremism, violence and misleading ideologies. He urged students to utilise their abilities for the development and progress of the country.

Addressing the graduates, the chief minister said graduation was not the end but the beginning of a new journey in practical life.

He emphasised that hard work, honesty and consistency were essential for success in professional life.

Bugti encouraged graduates to set ambitious goals and continue working hard to achieve success.