Stresses dialogue over armed confrontation, announces measures on missing persons
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Photo: APP/ File
QUETTA:
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti declared his readiness for negotiations to settle any disputes, but firmly rejected talks at gunpoint, stressing that Pakistan remains the identity for the Baloch people.
Speaking in the provincial assembly session on Friday, he urged reflection on the futility of an endless war and criticized the use of suicide jackets, saying it serves no purpose for the Baloch nation.
Bugti asserted that his government would work to fix Balochistan during its tenure. He highlighted fiscal responsibility, announcing that for the first time, the province saved Rs14 billion from the non-development budget through an austerity campaign. This included eliminating 435 positions in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and curbing unnecessary expenditures, such as Rs1 billion previously spent on newspapers.
On cultural preservation, the chief minister said mother tongues in Balochistan are nearing extinction, and his government is taking steps to protect them. Investigations into language academies revealed irregularities, prompting decisions to strengthen their boards by including Finance Department officers and ensuring funds are not misused against the state. He acknowledged the role of Balochi poetry in inspiring youth emotions and committed to providing more support to these academies while preventing any anti-state activities funded by public money.
Addressing the long-standing issue of missing persons, Bugti distinguished between enforced and voluntary disappearances, calling for public awareness of ground realities. He noted that similar or higher numbers exist in other provinces like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and even the United States reports around 20,000 missing cases. The government has established a mechanism, passed legislation in the assembly, and is setting up two centers, one fully operational and the other nearing completion, to handle cases transparently. Under the new framework, families and magistrates must be informed within 12 hours of detention, weekly meetings with relatives during investigations are mandated, and extensions beyond three months require Balochistan High Court approval. Bugti emphasized action over rhetoric, stating he is a victim rather than a beneficiary of the issue and aims to resolve it permanently.
The session, presided over by Speaker Captain (retired) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and delayed by half an hour, also featured debate on the Balochistan Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to exempt certain procedural requirements and extend the term of Chairman Justice (retired) Kailash Nath Kohli.
Bugti praised Kohli as an exemplary figure of integrity, honesty, and diligence, noting his appointment during Dr Abdul Malik Baloch’s tenure restored the commission’s reputation after past corruption.
Dr Abdul Malik raised concerns over targeted killings of National Party workers in various districts, urging the government to curb them. He also opposed dissolving the Balochistan Council Authority and Pasni Fish Harbour, warning of job losses for 250-300 employees and suggesting improvements instead.
