Mir Sarfraz Bugti Says Violent Elements Will Not Be Allowed to Exploit Missing Persons Issue to Incite Youth

QUETTA: Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that certain elements are attempting to exploit the issue of missing persons and public rights to incite young people toward violence and promote anti-state narratives, adding that such efforts will not be allowed to succeed.

Speaking during an open discussion on X (formerly Twitter), the chief minister answered questions from youth, civil society members, NGO representatives, critics, and participants from various segments of society. According to the provincial government, more than 16,000 people joined the online session at its peak.

Bugti said Pakistan’s armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and Levies are fully capable of maintaining law and order, and asserted that “a handful of violent elements” cannot challenge the authority of the state.

He said the Balochistan government’s top priority is the province’s youth, highlighting the Youth Engagement Plan as its flagship initiative. According to the chief minister, the government is currently implementing between 10 and 12 programs aimed at integrating young people into the national mainstream by expanding opportunities in education, skills development, employment, and economic growth.

Bugti said the government is preparing district-specific development plans based on local economic potential. He noted that youth in Gwadar would benefit from fisheries and maritime economy initiatives, while other districts would receive tailored development projects suited to their local needs.

The chief minister alleged that some groups have used the issue of missing persons to mislead young people and recruit them for violent activities. He said the government remains committed to countering such efforts through education, dialogue, employment opportunities, and positive engagement.

Highlighting his administration’s reforms, Bugti said the provincial government has introduced pension reforms, reduced non-development expenditures by Rs14 billion during the previous fiscal year, and is preparing to launch an electric vehicle policy to promote environmentally friendly transportation.

He also said the government has reformed the Zakat distribution system by abolishing the Zakat Department and redirecting resources to the بلوچستان Education Endowment Fund, which now provides scholarships to deserving and talented students.

The chief minister announced a Rs4 billion project to extend high-speed fiber-optic internet connectivity to government schools, colleges, universities, and healthcare facilities across every district and village in Balochistan. He added that the government is also taking measures to curb smuggling and strengthen the province’s economy.

Bugti said his government believes in maintaining direct dialogue with young people through visits to universities and colleges, where officials engage with students and respond to their questions. He further stated that new scholarship programs are being introduced to expand educational opportunities, including access for female students from Balochistan to internationally renowned universities such as Harvard University and University of Oxford.

According to a statement issued after the online discussion, political and social affairs experts described the session as an effective effort to present the government’s perspective on Balochistan. They said the chief minister responded to criticism with facts and data, while the participation of thousands of young people reflected support for peace, development, education, and stability in the province.