CM Balochistan Sardar Sarfraz Bugti Urges Unity, Rejects Separatism, and Emphasizes Pakistan’s Strong National Identity

Quetta:Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sardar Sarfraz Bugti, emphasized the central role of the province in the fabric of Pakistan, stating that “Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan, and the country’s existence is incomplete without it.” He lamented that the true beauty of the province and its people is often overlooked, with their voices regularly ignored.

Addressing the “Victory of the Truth” and Independence Day celebrations at a National Stability Conference in Quetta on Saturday, Bugti reminded the audience of the pivotal role Balochistan’s tribal elders played in the creation of Pakistan. Under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Baloch tribal leaders held a historic jirga (council) and decided to join Pakistan.

He condemned attempts by certain elements in recent years to promote a Pakistan-opposing agenda under the guise of nationalism in Balochistan. He called these efforts an attempt to mislead the Baloch people into engaging in a senseless war, which would only result in bloodshed, terror, and the loss of innocent lives—offering no benefits to the Baloch community.

Bugti pointed out that those who had once sought to divide Pakistan with foreign dollars and agendas were ultimately defeated. The decisive victory of the Pakistan Armed Forces against a much larger enemy in the Battle of Truth proved the strength of the nation. He also noted that while Balochistan does face challenges, the province’s backwardness does not justify the use of violence or rebellion against the state.

Referring to Pakistan’s Constitution, Bugti emphasized that Article 5 mandates unconditional loyalty to the state for all citizens. He asserted that individuals involved in the bloodshed of innocent civilians cannot be considered true Baloch and should be identified as terrorists, not as representatives of the Baloch people.

The CM also addressed the topic of sectarianism, stating that every conspiracy to divide Pakistan along sectarian lines had failed. Balochistan, he said, is home to diverse communities living in religious harmony, with minority groups consistently contributing to the country’s stability. He cited the strong voice of Senator Dhanesh Kumar in support of Pakistan as an example of this unity.

Speaking on the issue of identity, Bugti reaffirmed that after August 14, 1947, being Pakistani is the most significant identity for everyone, with tribal or linguistic identity coming secondary. He criticized efforts by external forces to divide the people based on ethnicity and language, and warned against the manipulation of the Baloch identity to justify violence, which goes against the traditional values of the Baloch community.

The Chief Minister also condemned the misuse of social media as a platform for spreading misinformation and inciting violence. He highlighted how a successful, month-long Pakistan football tournament in Balochistan, which attracted 30,000 spectators and teams from across the country, was overshadowed on social media by the viral spread of a controversial clip, diverting attention from the event’s true success.

Bugti appealed to religious scholars, elders, and social leaders to play their part in addressing the negative impacts of social media and stopping the spread of hate. He emphasized that the government has organized open forums and jirgas across the province to bring citizens closer to the state and inform them of the ground realities.

On the subject of peace, the CM stated that while the right to protest is guaranteed, the days of prolonged road blockages in the province must come to an end. He assured that negotiations would remain open for those willing to lay down arms and return to peace. However, he stressed that the state would stand firm in defense of innocent lives, and any violence would be met with a strong response.

Bugti cited the tragic example of a helpless woman from Musa Khel, whose husband and son were shot dead in front of her. She was left with only a single sheet to cover their bodies. He called minimizing such crimes an extreme form of injustice.

Finally, Bugti affirmed that Pakistan, as a nuclear power with a strong military, would remain intact forever. He underscored that a small group of armed individuals could never impose their ideology on the 250 million people of Pakistan.

The Chief Minister concluded by thanking the organizers of the conference, particularly Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, for promoting messages of nationalism and unity. He assured full cooperation from the Balochistan government in organizing similar programs, whether in Quetta or remote areas of the province, as “this country is the dream of our ancestors, and peace will surely dawn here.”