QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said on Monday that the province’s fundamental issue was not underdevelopment, but rather a flawed narrative, and there was a need to distinguish between facts and perceptions.
“Unfortunately, the true history of Balochistan is not being presented in contemporary times, while underdevelopment exists in every province of Pakistan, it never serves as grounds for taking up arms against the state or advocating for the state’s dissolution.”
He expressed these views while addressing participants at the National School of Public Policy here. CM Bugti mentioned that the dream of breaking up Balochistan could never be realised, adding: “Article 5 of the Constitution mandates unconditional loyalty to the state, and efforts are being made at all levels to listen to the youth and bridge the gap between them and the state”.
He said that while he was always ready to negotiate with political figures, discussions could not be held with those who had taken up arms. He emphasised the need to understand the Balochistan issue in the context of facts and history, noting that an accurate analysis of the province’s situation was impossible if based on a flawed narrative.
CM Bugti said that historical facts regarding Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan must also be viewed in the correct perspective, adding: “The Khan of Kalat himself wrote in his book that the accession took place with his consent”.
He remarked that studying historical facts and primary sources was essential to understanding the history of Balochistan. Referring to certain reservations held by the bureaucracy regarding service in the province, the chief minister noted that some bureaucrats from Punjab were reluctant to come to Balochistan.
“Unless officers visit the field to observe the situation, how could they gain an accurate understanding of the ground realities?” he remarked Bugti emphasised that an awareness of ground realities was essential to understanding the issues facing Balochistan and added the needs of its people, local conditions, public requirements, and genuine problems must be taken into account during policy formulation and administrative decision-making.
