Quetta: Amid rising security threats, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has directed authorities to take strict action against government employees involved in anti-state activities and propaganda. He issued these orders during a high-level meeting on the province’s law and order situation.
CM Bugti instructed all commissioners and district officers to identify such employees and ensure legal proceedings against them. His directive comes in response to the recent surge in terrorism and violence in the region. Balochistan has seen multiple deadly attacks, claiming several lives in the past weeks.
On Saturday, gunmen killed eight people in separate incidents in Kalat and Nushki districts. The victims included four police officers and four laborers. Before these attacks, militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted a passenger train, the Jaffar Express. The terrorists blew up a railway track and held over 440 passengers hostage.
Security forces launched a complex rescue operation, eliminating 33 attackers and freeing the hostages. However, the assault resulted in heavy casualties. Among the 26 people martyred, 18 were security personnel from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC). Three were officials from Pakistan Railways and other departments, while five were civilians. The militants also ambushed a security checkpoint before the train attack, killing three FC personnel.
Apart from terrorist incidents, Balochistan has witnessed unrest due to protests linked to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Demonstrators stormed the Civil Hospital and forcefully took the bodies of the Jaffar Express attackers. Law enforcement agencies registered a case against BYC leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Satakzai, Sabiha Baloch, and others.
The FIR includes charges under sections 7 and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act and 16 sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The allegations cover terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, rebellion, and destruction of property. Dr. Mahrang and 17 others were arrested and are being held at Quetta District Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
Authorities accused them of supporting rioters who shot at police officers and civilians. The violent protests led to three deaths and left 15 police personnel injured.
During the security briefing, CM Bugti stressed that state employees must remain loyal to the government. He declared that anyone drawing a salary from the state while opposing its policies would face consequences. He affirmed that highways in Balochistan would remain open, and no anti-state activities would be tolerated.
Bugti also ordered close monitoring of suspected elements at the district level. He instructed officials to place them on the Fourth Schedule for strict surveillance.
Additionally, he mandated that all educational institutions in Balochistan must play the national anthem and hoist the national flag. He warned that non-compliant institutions would face action, and their heads would be forced to resign.
The CM urged district officers to promote government policies in public gatherings. He highlighted the state’s efforts to provide education and development opportunities for Balochistan’s youth. According to him, foreign elements were misleading young people into an unwinnable conflict.
He emphasized that true Baloch culture values traditions and rejects violence. He condemned the brutal killings of innocent laborers and travelers. He also criticized the imposed culture where women uncover their faces while men hide theirs. Bugti urged youth leaders to guide the new generation towards progress instead of war.
With the ongoing Balochistan security crackdown, the provincial government remains firm in its stance. Authorities are tightening measures to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.
