Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has said that anti-state elements and foreign agencies are fueling propaganda to divide Pakistan, as the government strengthens governance, education, and counterterrorism efforts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has said there is no insurgency in the province, only “so-called separatist movements” driven by anti-national elements and foreign interference. Addressing participants of the 17th National Workshop, the chief minister reiterated that the province’s development, security, and governance are steadily improving under his government.

'No insurgency, only propaganda'

Sarfaraz Bugti said that the claim of an insurgency in Balochistan is misleading and that anti-state groups aim to harm and divide Pakistan. He warned that “the enemies want to divide Pakistan into pieces like a cake.”

He further stated that a false impression of unbalanced development in the province was deliberately created to mislead the public. “The term ‘angry Baloch’ was coined only to justify terrorism,” he remarked, stressing that “a person who commits violence at gunpoint is not angry but a terrorist.”

Indian role and foreign interference

Highlighting external involvement, Bugti accused India’s intelligence agency RAW of having a clear role in destabilizing Balochistan. “Separatists are happy with India but want to harm Pakistan,” he said, adding that such elements are being manipulated through propaganda on social media to widen the gap between the youth and the state.

"The first refugee camp in Balochistan was established on June 21, 2002, which promoted terrorism," the CM remarked, adding that the war against terrorism is not just for the army to fight, but it is a joint war of the entire nation.

Engaging youth and strengthening state

Bugti emphasized that the government is actively reaching out to universities and various forums to listen to the concerns of young people. “The distance between the youth and the state has been increased through propaganda, but we are addressing it through dialogue and inclusion,” he said.

He underlined that the state of Pakistan is more important than politics, asserting that the war against terrorism is a joint effort of the entire nation, not just the armed forces. “The Balochistan government has taken the war against terrorism as its responsibility,” he added.

Strengthening counterterrorism and governance

The chief minister revealed that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is being strengthened to deal more effectively with security threats, with Rs100 million allocated to enhance its capacity.

He noted that security forces are conducting operations in areas where distinguishing between friend and foe is difficult. “It’s easy to act against a clear enemy, but more challenging when the enemy hides within our ranks,” Bugti remarked.

He also referenced the recent successful operation against a clear enemy, saying the entire nation witnessed it “with their own eyes.”

Restoring governance, development

Bugti said that practical steps are underway to improve governance and introduce reforms in the province. Highlighting progress in key sectors, he said 3,200 inactive schools and 164 basic medical centers have been reactivated, leading to significant improvements in education and healthcare.

He also pointed out that Assistant Commissioners had not been posted in 24 sub-districts for 12 years, but the current government has restored the state’s writ by appointing officers and ensuring administrative functionality.

Balochistan’s way forward

Concluding his address, Sarfaraz Bugti said that the government’s stance against terrorism is categorical and clear, urging those misled by separatist propaganda to understand that “nothing will be achieved through a futile war.”

“The Baloch people are being pushed into a dead end, but we are determined to bring progress, peace, and unity to our province,” the CM affirmed. "The Balochistan government's stance on terrorism is unequivocal and clear."