Announces surrender of 100 militants weapons in Dera Bugti, calls development ‘a welcome and positive step’
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Photo: APP/ File
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned elements spreading false narratives against the Pakistan Armed Forces, saying, “Some political parties are spreading anti-state propaganda, while their own children study abroad. Our state is more important than politics.”
Bugti has said that terrorists cannot impose their system on the nation, adding that the people of Balochistan have always stood with the armed forces. “We must abandon narratives that seek to weaken the state,” he emphasised.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Bugti stated that Baloch people were pushed into a futile conflict, but the state has left the door open for those willing to return. “Around 100 terrorists in Dera Bugti have surrendered to the government of Pakistan. In 2018, these individuals had also retreated to the mountains, and today they have returned. We welcomed them. The surrender of militants is a welcome development,” he said.
He recalled that the father of former Chief Minister Jamal Raisani was martyred in 2018 and stressed that the militants who surrendered were previously associated with terrorist organisations.
Over the past year, 900 incidents occurred in the province, resulting in the deaths of 205 security personnel and 280 civilians, Bugti noted. During operations, 760 terrorists were killed. He clarified that allegations of the use of force in Balochistan are false. “There are no military operations in the province, only intelligence-based operations,” Bugti said.
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“Pakistan and its flag are more important than anything else,” he said.“The martyrs are our pride,” he added.
Bugti emphasised that Afghan authorities had assured the world under the Doha Agreement that Afghan territory would not be used for terrorism. “The Taliban regime has violated this promise,” he added. Two Balochistan officers were among the martyrs, Bugti said, recalling a past attack on his own vehicle in which two people were injured.
The Chief Minister lauded the nation’s support for the security forces: “The entire nation stands with our brave security forces.” He warned that militancy in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan posed a serious security challenge, but stressed that the Pakistani military is organised, fully prepared, and capable of countering threats.
“The dream of imposing an extremist system is impossible in the presence of the nation and the armed forces,” he said, adding that Baloch youth were being pushed into futile conflicts.
Bugti stressed that stopping terrorist recruitment and cutting their logistical lines is crucial. “Instability in Afghanistan provides militants with logistical support,” he said, calling it a national responsibility for politicians to counter anti-state narratives.
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“This is not just the military’s war; it is a shared struggle of the entire Pakistani nation,” he said. “Discrediting the security forces strengthens the enemy’s narrative. Some parties are helping the enemy by spreading anti-state propaganda.”
Referring to past conflicts, he noted: “On May 9 and 10, the Pakistani nation thwarted Indian designs. During insurgency in two provinces, defaming state institutions is a dangerous act. Popularity is less important than standing for truth and justice.”
Bugti concluded, “Just as Abu Jahl’s narrative was popular during the time of the Prophet, but the truth was with him, today the nation must stand with its forces to defeat the enemy’s propaganda.”
Bugti also highlighted administrative and developmental progress in Balochistan. “Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, is my good friend. The people of K-P need governance, peace, and stability now. Continuous political confrontation must be avoided to sustain development. According to FBR data, Balochistan leads in digital financial systems.
“The province’s tax-to-GDP performance reflects hard work and effective policies. Thirty-two new schools have significantly improved education, while 17,000 teachers have been recruited on merit—a major achievement for the Balochistan government. Hospitals in remote areas are providing essential healthcare, and increased social engagement has strengthened public trust and provincial performance,” he said.
