Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday firmly denied reports of an ongoing military operation in the province, making it clear that only intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were being carried out to eliminate terror threats.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he said the state's stance toward armed groups was unambiguous — those who lay down weapons and seek forgiveness will find the government willing to listen.
Bugti, however, raised a pressing question: “Should we allow terrorists to reach Islamabad?” His remarks came a day after security forces killed 12 militants during an IBO in Kalat, further intensifying the debate on Balochistan’s security landscape.
The chief minister highlighted that many militants freed and resettled in 2018 under a policy similar to the one adopted for the banned TTP were once again fighting the state. He said these individuals were now responsible for shedding innocent blood, proving that misguided reconciliation efforts had backfired.
Bugti also spoke about the anti-state narrative being pushed against Pakistan, its armed forces, and especially the military leadership. He said this narrative was not only harmful but deeply misleading. Criticizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, he said his position did not give him the freedom to join such rhetoric. Instead, Afridi should focus on providing relief to the people of KP rather than staging constant protests.
Endorsing the recent ISPR press briefing, Bugti supported the military spokesperson’s strong remarks regarding PTI founder Imran Khan, who was described as “mentally ill” and a “national security threat.”
Sharing alarming figures, he revealed that Balochistan had recorded 900 terror incidents, resulting in the martyrdom of 280 civilians, 205 security personnel and six officers — including two from Balochistan. Thousands of intelligence-based operations had been conducted, eliminating 706 terrorists who were attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan. Around 10 militants’ bodies were still lying near the border, according to Bugti.
Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that Pakistan’s disciplined army and courageous leadership would ensure terrorists fail in their objectives. He said those who carry out attacks in the name of religion stand exposed and isolated.
Bugti stressed that the Balochistan security situation required unity, not political point-scoring. He urged political leaders to avoid narratives that harm national institutions and called on the nation to support its security forces wholeheartedly.
“I don’t like seeing fellow politicians labelled as anti-state,” he said. “But we must reflect on our own actions. Fighting terrorism is the responsibility of every citizen.”
