Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, delivered a powerful address to the province's youth on Friday, emphasizing their critical role as the nation's future and primary asset. He spoke at the 18th Balochistan National Workshop held in Quetta, stressing the urgent need to equip the younger generation with accurate historical facts and a true national perspective.
Correcting Perceptions and State Policy
In his speech, the Chief Minister directly addressed the narratives surrounding Balochistan. He clarified that the state has never pursued a policy of indiscriminate force in the province. Labeling limited and targeted security actions as broad 'state operations' is factually incorrect, he stated. Bugti pointed out a significant gap between the perceptions being propagated about Balochistan and the actual realities on the ground, which he deemed essential to understand.
He expressed concern over systematic attempts to create a rift between the youth and the state through false narratives on social media. "The dreams of weakening the state through violence and chaos would never be realized," Bugti asserted. He warned that young minds are being targeted through mental deception and organized recruitment tactics, calling for heightened caution and critical thinking.
A Call for Positive Engagement and Dialogue
Reaffirming the strength of Pakistan, the Chief Minister said it is an invincible and permanent state. He dismissed the ambitions of those wishing to divide the country, stating they would always fail. His core message to the youth was to adopt positive and truthful thinking, avoiding the blind acceptance of any negative narrative without proper research.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti extended an open invitation for dialogue, declaring his readiness to answer the toughest questions from young people based on arguments and facts. "I am always available to talk to the youth at every educational institution, every university, and every national forum," he committed, encouraging direct and constructive engagement.
Governance Reforms and Educational Initiatives
The CM outlined the practical steps being taken to improve governance in Balochistan, stating that poor governance is anti-state while effective governance ensures stability. He highlighted several key achievements and initiatives:
- More than 3,200 previously closed schools have been reactivated across the province.
- Basic medical facilities have been established for the first time in many backward areas since Pakistan's creation.
- The Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Programme is running as the largest educational scholarship project in Balochistan's history, extending support to children of civilian martyrs, minorities, and transgender persons.
- Students from Balochistan now have opportunities to study scientific subjects at top global universities, with PhD pathways open in over 200 international institutions.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Bugti reiterated his unwavering resolve, pledging to work for the betterment of Balochistan till the last day, the last hour, and the last moment.
