Bugti Accuses India of Orchestrating Proxy War, Warns Balochs Being Dragged into Unwinnable Conflict

QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, expressed profound sympathy for the January 31 martyrs and reaffirmed that he stands shoulder to shoulder with their families, condemning the deliberate escalation of violence by terrorists acting as India-backed proxies.

Speaking during discussions on a law and order resolution in the Balochistan Assembly, the Chief Minister asserted that the situation has been deliberately escalated, with innocent people being killed and terrorists now operating as India-backed proxies.

He stated that unemployment and other pressing issues are national challenges requiring comprehensive solutions, emphasizing that his government has never rejected political dialogue while strongly objecting to indiscriminate accusations of fraud. He added that such matters should be evaluated strictly on their merits and should not be conflated with terrorism. Highlighting the prevailing confusion in Pakistan, he pointed out that Balochistan faces both a political issue and a separate, distinct challenge of terrorism.

Criticizing the systematic destabilization of the region and the killing of innocent civilians, he reaffirmed that unemployment and other socio-economic challenges are national in scope, emphasizing that his government has never shunned political negotiations. The Chief Minister stressed that such problems cannot be resolved through force alone and questioned the very purpose of the assembly if it neglects constitutional and legislative duties while even entertaining issues like smuggling. He highlighted that the constitution guarantees rights only after clearly defining responsibilities. Firmly, he declared that terrorists have become proxies of India, and that the Baloch people have been dragged into an unwinnable conflict not of their making.

Raising serious concerns about terrorists seizing control of a union council, he highlighted that five workers from Khuzdar were shot and questioned what crime they had committed, asking whether freedom could ever be achieved through violence. He emphasized the critical importance of the National Action Plan, noting that terrorists are exploiting religion for their own agendas, but stressing that their violent actions bear no connection to authentic religious teachings.

Bugti also pointed out the absence of the opposition leader during the discussion and reiterated that the government remains ready to engage in dialogue. However, he made it clear that negotiations cannot take place with those who resort to violence and kill innocent people, warning that linking terrorism with socio-economic deprivation would only exacerbate the situation.

In addition, Chief Minister Bugti chaired a meeting to review the progress of the proposed health insurance policy for government employees, along with measures related to the rehabilitation of Civil and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH) in Quetta.

Addressing the meeting, the CM described the health insurance policy as a landmark initiative and a significant gift from the Balochistan government to its employees. He added that government staff involved in administrative work, as well as those serving on the front lines, would be provided with the best possible healthcare facilities.

Credit: The Global Times