Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has said that Pakistan, after 79 years of struggle and progress, has established itself as a nuclear power with growing global recognition.
CM Sarfraz Bugti declares dialogue within constitution open, calls for unity on Independence Day
QUETTA, Aug 14 (APP): Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has said that Pakistan, after 79 years of struggle and progress, has established itself as a nuclear power with growing global recognition.
He paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for steering the country towards development and strengthening its international standing.
Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Balochistan Assembly lawns on 80th Independence Day, Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the people of Balochistan have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to Pakistan by celebrating the occasion with zeal across districts, divisions, towns, and villages.
He rejected claims of separatism, declaring that those who believe terrorism or violence can divide Pakistan “live in a fool’s paradise.”
Sarfraz Bugti reiterated that the doors of the state and government remain open for dialogue within the framework of the Constitution, but stressed that negotiations cannot be held with groups involved in killing innocent citizens.
He directed militants to abandon violence and rejoin the national mainstream, warning that if they persist, the writ of the state will be enforced at all costs. “No ideology can be imposed at gunpoint,” he said, adding that terrorist elements have dragged the Baloch nation into a futile war.
The Chief Minister paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps, and civilian victims, assuring their families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. He also expressed condolences over the recent passing of the Speaker’s young son, praying for the departed soul.
Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the importance of meritocracy in providing opportunities to Balochistan’s youth, describing them as the architects of Pakistan’s future. He announced a grant of Rs. 1 million to encourage schoolchildren who presented national songs during the ceremony.
He thanked the Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, his team, the Chief Secretary, and other organizers for successfully hosting the event, and appreciated the participation of guests from other provincial assemblies, the Senate, National Assembly, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir, calling it a clear message of unity and solidarity.
Concluding his address, Sarfraz Bugti prayed for lasting peace in Pakistan, so that all segments of society may live in harmony and security.
