Intellectuals of Balochistan need to learn from bitter realities of history; show right direction to new generations: CM
Independent Report
QUETTA: The Chief Minister, Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has emphasized that the intelligentsia of the province need to learn from the bitter realities of history and show right direction to the future generations.
He said that “we must re-evaluate whether the struggle for freedom is meaningful or futile.” He questioned whether the so-called freedom struggle was truly meaningful or futile, arguing that Pakistan has always resisted conspiracies aimed at breaking the country and has remained united.
He recalled the origins of the recent wave of terrorism in Balochistan, pointing to the assassination of Justice Nawaz Marri. After the incident, an FIR was lodged against Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri and his sons—while Nawab Marri surrendered, his sons fled. According to Bugti, this event marked the beginning of the disgruntled Baloch movement, which later plunged the province into violence.
The Chief Minister expressed these and similar other views while addressing the lawyers in Balochistan High Court Bar Room here on Thursday.
Also present on the occasion were the Provincial Minister for Health, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, President of Supreme Court Bar Association, Mian Rauf Atta Advocate, President Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Mir Attaullah Langove Advocate and other senior lawyers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister maintained that it had always been his desire to meet the guardians of the law in person. The lawyers of Balochistan have made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and their services are unforgettable.
He said that while schools, colleges, and courts in Quetta are now functioning normally, terrorists have vanished—something he credited as a success of the state. He highlighted the sacrifices of lawyers in the fight against terrorism, describing them as unforgettable.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti criticized the ideological basis behind the separatist movement, saying it promoted extremism and violence, unlike leaders such as Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo, who pursued rights through political struggle.
He urged people to follow the example of such peaceful leaders.
He strongly condemned the burning of Pakistan’s national flag and the singing of separatist anthems at events organized by groups like BYC, calling it a clear violation of the constitution. He expressed concern that when the state takes action against such groups, some lawyers step in to defend them. He questioned whether the constitution allows the legal representation of terrorists.
Bugti further stated that Afghanistan’s territory has been used against Pakistan, the UN platform was exploited to oppose the country, and groups like Pashtun Zalmay launched proxy wars. Agencies like Mossad and RAW have been active in stirring unrest, sometimes using local intellectuals as tools.
The Chief Minister made it clear that India’s own experience shows that Pakistan cannot be broken through violence. The Baloch separatist movement will meet the same fate as the Kurdish movement in Turkey. One day, Baloch youth themselves will ask why they were pushed toward the path of violence.
He said that we must dispel the false notion that every Punjabi or soldier who was killed was an agent. The killing of innocent civilians can never be part of Baloch culture. As a government, we will always stand with the oppressed. The gatherings of BYC are not in accordance with the Constitution. The Chief Minister questioned whether individuals like Bashir Zeb should be allowed to come here and deliver speeches. Certainly, Pakistan’s law does not permit this.
He also referenced an interview with a terrorist of a banned outfit, who admitted to planning killings and labeled state actors as apostates.
On a more developmental note, Bugti announced several welfare initiatives for lawyers, including:
Rs. 50 million grant for the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, lawyers’ housing scheme
health insurance, library facilities, pink scooties and vans for female lawyers; shuttle bus services
Affordable office space in the Municipal Plaza.
He on the occasion pledged that similar steps would be taken for lawyers in interior Balochistan. He also highlighted ongoing development projects like road construction, efforts to reduce distances, and the battle against bad governance and corruption, which he linked to the root causes of terrorism.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti concluded by asserting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but the government has the authority to designate protest areas.
The Chief Minister urged lawyers to become torch bearers of law and justice, and to choose constitutional paths over extremism, so that the dream of lasting peace and development in Balochistan can be realized.
