Bugti vows to swoop down upon terrorists

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has condemned the recent wave of terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 38 innocent people, vowing to swoop down upon the perpetrators, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

 In a press conference at Quetta on Monday, Bugti denounced the attackers as cowardly, stating that the terrorists targeted not just Punjabis, but all Pakistanis.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti declared that the recent violence in the province was not an ethnic conflict, but rather an act of terrorism.

"It was terrorists who killed Pakistanis," Bugti said, emphasising that Balochs never kill Punjabis.

Bugti said that after committing such heinous the terrorists fled into the mountains. He said that 21 terrorists have already been killed in the ongoing operations.

"Breaking Balochistan by the bullet is a delusion," Bugti asserted, pledging that such attempts will fail.

He promised that all those responsible would be brought to justice and that the government would not allow any group to impose its agenda through violence.

The Chief Minister warned that the terrorists are trying to spread chaos on Pakistani soil, urging those who sympathize with these extremists to reconsider their stance.

He reassured the public that the state stands firmly with the victims of terrorism and will continue to take decisive action against those responsible.

Bugti announced that checkpoints would be reinstated across Balochistan to maintain law and order.

 He dismissed any influence from propaganda. "We will not tolerate any challenge to the state's authority, and we will protect our citizens at all costs," he asserted.

Bugti urged those sympathising with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to leave their government jobs and openly support the group if they chose to.

He also criticised some media houses and certain circles for labeling terrorists as 'disgruntled Balochs' despite their violent actions.

Bugti expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with political groups but ruled out talks with terrorists. "If this is a political issue, we are willing to talk to political parties, but there will be no dialogue with terrorists," he said.

Bugti revealed that 84% of missing persons cases had been resolved and criticised leaders of the missing persons’ movement for not raising the issue during negotiations.

Bugti identified three groups actively opposing the state: armed groups, social activists, and social media users, some of whom unknowingly fall victim to baseless propaganda. He cited the example of Bashir Zeb, a known terrorist, whose family members held government jobs and sympathised with terrorists.

Bugti emphasised that the government would not spare terrorists or their facilitators. He announced plans to restrict 4G internet services, as terrorists often record their attacks and disseminate footage using high-speed internet.

Extending an olive branch, Bugti offered dialogue to those willing to lay down arms and join the mainstream. He stressed that the motives of those surrendering would be scrutinised to prevent exploitation.

"We cannot allow someone to disarm, receive treatment, and then return to stand against the state once they recover," he warned.

Bugti paid tribute to the ten Frontier Corps soldiers killed in a recent terrorist attack, honouring their sacrifice. He reiterated the state's commitment to supporting the oppressed and maintaining peace in Balochistan.

Bugti also made it clear that terrorists have no ethnicity, religion, or tribe, describing them as troublemakers who seek out soft targets and attempt to portray themselves as heroes. He asserted that the government had all the necessary evidence to retaliate and promised that the state would reassert its authority.

"The people of Balochistan have always opposed armed actions and desired peace," Bugti added.

Bugti also disclosed that the government is profiling individuals involved in terrorist activities and mentioned that rockets were fired at the FC (Frontier Corps) from civilian areas in Turbat, questioning how the FC is expected to respond in such situations. He concluded by stating that the government has decided to ignore propaganda tools and urged Baloch youth not to fall for the terrorists' propaganda.

Reporter: Essa Tareen