Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that while the state has never closed the door to dialogue, negotiations with militant organizations involved in acts of terrorism are not possible, particularly those responsible for killing innocent civilians.
Speaking during a session of the Balochistan Assembly, Bugti questioned how talks could be held with groups that allegedly remove passengers from buses and murder innocent people.
“The state has never shut the door on dialogue, but negotiations with terrorist organizations are not possible. How can talks be held with those who pull innocent people off buses and kill them?” he said.
‘Balochistan Moving Toward a Brighter Future’
The chief minister stated that Balochistan is progressing toward a brighter future and that hostile forces are troubled by the province’s development and stability.
He alleged that certain external elements are supporting militant organizations operating in the region and claimed that these groups would quickly weaken if such backing were withdrawn.
“Some foreign actors are patronizing terrorist organizations. If that support ends, these groups will soon become part of history,” he said.
Bugti emphasized that negotiations could only be considered if armed groups first lay down their weapons.
Dialogue Within the Constitutional Framework
The chief minister stressed that dialogue cannot take place on the basis of demands aimed at undermining or breaking the Pakistani state.
He reiterated that the government remains open to talks with individuals and groups willing to engage within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan.
“Doors remain open for those who want to negotiate under the Constitution. Dialogue cannot take place on the condition of dismantling the state,” he said.
Concern Over Youth Recruitment
Bugti also expressed concern about young people being drawn into violence, saying that many children and teenagers had allegedly been influenced and taken to mountainous areas to join militant activities.
He said efforts should be made to bring such individuals back into society and provide them with opportunities for a peaceful future.
“The Baloch nation has been pushed into a futile conflict. Those children who were brainwashed and taken to the mountains must be brought back,” he remarked.
Successful Negotiations Require Acceptance of Law
The chief minister argued that successful peace talks around the world have generally taken place with political groups and actors that recognize constitutional and legal frameworks.
He said the government is prepared to engage with any political force that accepts Pakistan’s Constitution and laws.
“Wherever negotiations have succeeded in the world, they have been held with political forces that accept the constitution and the rule of law,” he said.
Commitment to Counterterrorism Efforts
Bugti maintained that the current government has chosen to treat the fight against terrorism as its own responsibility and is determined to confront security challenges directly.
According to him, this approach has unsettled hostile elements and increased pressure on militant groups.
Concluding his remarks, the chief minister pledged that the government would continue its efforts until terrorism is completely eliminated.
“We will continue this struggle until terrorism is fully eradicated,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace, security, and stability in Balochistan.
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