There is no insurgency in Balochistan but so-called separatist movements: CM Bugti Azad News HD
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti Rejects Insurgency Claims, Blames “India-Backed Separatists” for Violence
Introduction
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday firmly dismissed the existence of any organized insurgency in Pakistan’s largest province, declaring that so-called separatist movements are nothing more than India-backed terrorist operations seeking to destabilize the country. His remarks reignited the long-running debate over the roots of unrest in Balochistan — a province that remains strategically vital, rich in natural resources, and central to Pakistan’s regional connectivity ambitions through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Bugti’s statement, made during a press briefing in Quetta, underscored the provincial government’s position that the security situation has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to coordinated military and intelligence operations. However, he warned that “external hands” continue to manipulate “a handful of misled individuals” to create chaos, spread fear, and tarnish Pakistan’s image internationally.
“There is no insurgency in Balochistan,” Bugti declared. “There are only a few India-backed terrorists who kill innocent civilians, attack security forces, and disrupt development. We will not allow them to destroy peace.”
Historical Context: The Long Shadow of Unrest
To understand the weight of Bugti’s statement, one must look at the long, complex history of Balochistan’s internal tensions. Since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the province has witnessed several waves of rebellion — driven by demands for autonomy, resource control, and political recognition.
From the Kalat uprising in 1948 to the Bugti and Marri tribal movements in the 1970s, the region’s past has been marked by mistrust between the federal government and local tribes. However, unlike the past movements rooted in political grievances, the recent wave of violence has taken a distinctly terrorist and externally funded form.
According to intelligence assessments cited by both federal and provincial authorities, India’s intelligence agency RAW has long funded and armed separatist outfits such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Republican Army (BRA), and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). These groups claim to fight for independence but have repeatedly targeted schools, infrastructure, and civilians, exposing the violent and mercenary nature of their operations.
Bugti’s Assertion: “Peace Has Returned, But Propaganda Continues”
During his address, Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that Balochistan today is far safer than it was a decade ago. Development projects, particularly under CPEC, have created employment opportunities and improved road, energy, and port infrastructure. Yet, he said, anti-Pakistan propaganda continues to distort the situation.
“Our enemies cannot tolerate progress in Balochistan,” Bugti told reporters. “Whenever we open a school, build a road, or start a factory, they try to bomb it. That is not insurgency — it is foreign-sponsored terrorism.”
He also accused certain international media outlets and foreign NGOs of magnifying isolated incidents of violence to present a false picture of “continuous insurgency.” The chief minister added that the provincial law enforcement agencies have dismantled most terrorist networks, forcing surviving elements to flee to Afghanistan, where they regroup and receive funding.
India’s Alleged Involvement and the Case of Kulbhushan Jadhav
Bugti’s remarks about Indian involvement were not new — but they carried the weight of renewed political emphasis. His reference drew parallels to the 2016 arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving naval officer captured from Balochistan, who confessed to orchestrating and financing terror networks in the region.
Jadhav’s admission confirmed Islamabad’s long-standing claim that New Delhi sponsors militant proxies to undermine Pakistan’s security and obstruct CPEC. Bugti reiterated this stance, saying,
“Kulbhushan was not an isolated case. There are hundreds like him, sitting in safe houses across the border, working to harm Pakistan.”
He also mentioned that intelligence agencies have traced the flow of funds from foreign accounts to militant commanders operating under the guise of political activists. These revelations, Bugti argued, prove that the unrest in Balochistan is not an indigenous liberation movement but a proxy war.
Balochistan’s Strategic Importance
Stretching over 44% of Pakistan’s landmass but home to only 6% of its population, Balochistan is a province of immense geostrategic and economic significance. It borders Iran and Afghanistan, connects to the Arabian Sea, and hosts the deep-water Gwadar Port, the linchpin of CPEC.
For years, militants have targeted Gwadar and surrounding areas, aiming to derail Pakistan’s economic integration with China and Central Asia. Bugti highlighted that Balochistan’s development threatens India’s regional interests, as CPEC offers Pakistan and China a trade route that bypasses India’s sphere of influence.
“Every attack on Gwadar, every ambush on a convoy, every bombing in Quetta serves one purpose — to scare investors and stop Pakistan’s progress,” he said. “That is why we call it India-backed terrorism.”
From Militancy to Development: The Shift Under Bugti’s Leadership
Sarfraz Bugti, himself hailing from Dera Bugti — once a hotbed of insurgency — has been a vocal advocate of dialogue, reintegration, and development as tools to achieve lasting peace. Since taking office as chief minister, he has launched programs aimed at rehabilitating surrendered militants, expanding technical education, and empowering local governance.
Under his leadership, dozens of former fighters have laid down arms, joining mainstream society through the Balochistan Peace and Prosperity Initiative (BPPI). The provincial government offers vocational training, financial aid, and jobs to those who renounce violence.
“Our doors are open,” Bugti said. “Those who were misled by foreign agents can still come home. We will forgive, but we will not forget who used them.”
He added that many so-called “commanders” of separatist groups have fled abroad, living luxurious lives in London, Geneva, and New Delhi, while exploiting poor Baloch youth to carry out attacks. Bugti’s government has been working with tribal elders to counter such recruitment through community policing and awareness campaigns.
Counterterrorism and Security Operations
In recent years, joint operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and intelligence agencies have significantly reduced the operational capacity of separatist groups. According to official data, over 5,000 militants have been neutralized or captured since 2016.
Key strongholds in Awaran, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, and Kech have been cleared, enabling large-scale resettlement and development projects. The Southern Command Headquarters in Quetta reported a 70% decline in terrorist incidents over the past five years.
Bugti praised the sacrifices of security forces, calling them “the true guardians of Balochistan’s peace.” He stressed that without the courage of soldiers and law enforcement agencies, “the dream of a stable Balochistan would have remained distant.”
Media Narratives and Global Perceptions
One of Bugti’s most striking points was his criticism of international media portrayals. Western outlets often describe Balochistan as a province in perpetual rebellion, focusing on disappearances and human rights claims while ignoring infrastructure growth, new universities, and health initiatives.
“Why does the world not see our progress?” Bugti asked rhetorically. “Why do they not report when schools reopen, roads are built, or when thousands of students get scholarships? Peace doesn’t make headlines — but violence does.”
He asserted that some Western think tanks and media houses echo anti-Pakistan propaganda, deliberately ignoring that the so-called separatist leaders live abroad and are financed through foreign lobbies and intelligence circles.
The Role of Youth and Education
A major focus of Bugti’s administration has been to engage Balochistan’s youth through education and sports. The provincial government has established dozens of new schools and technical institutes in Gwadar, Khuzdar, Turbat, and Loralai.
He believes that education is the ultimate antidote to militancy. By equipping young people with skills and jobs, the government can neutralize the appeal of extremist ideologies.
“A child with a book will never pick up a gun,” Bugti said. “Our mission is to give every Baloch child a classroom instead of a cave.”
Bugti also announced scholarships for Baloch students in national universities and introduced youth exchange programs to integrate the province’s younger generation with the rest of Pakistan.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Success Stories
The surrender and reintegration policy has yielded measurable success. According to the provincial Home Department, more than 1,200 former militants have surrendered since 2020, laying down arms and joining vocational training centers.
One such individual, identified as Abdul Karim from Kech district, shared his story during a local ceremony:
“I was told that Pakistan was my enemy. But when I returned, I saw schools being built and roads repaired. Those who misled me sit abroad, while we die here. I realized who the real enemy was.”
Stories like Karim’s reflect the gradual erosion of militant recruitment networks and the return of hope among the local population.
The Role of Tribal Elders and Local Governance
Balochistan’s tribal structure plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order. The Bugti government has strengthened ties with tribal jirgas and community councils to resolve local disputes peacefully and prevent extremist influence.
Through the Balochistan Local Peace Committees, the government empowers tribal elders to monitor their regions, mediate conflicts, and report suspicious activities. This grassroots governance approach has been instrumental in restoring trust between citizens and the state.
“We are not fighting our own people,” Bugti said. “We are fighting those who use our people for foreign agendas.”
CPEC and the Promise of Economic Transformation
CPEC remains at the heart of Balochistan’s economic vision. The corridor — stretching from China’s Xinjiang region to Gwadar Port — promises billions in investment, industrial zones, and energy projects.
Bugti emphasized that the people of Balochistan must be the primary beneficiaries of these developments. His government is working to ensure that local workers, engineers, and entrepreneurs participate in CPEC-linked opportunities.
“For decades, Balochistan gave gas to Pakistan but got little in return. That injustice is ending now. CPEC will give jobs, schools, and hospitals to our youth,” Bugti stated confidently.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Despite Bugti’s assurances, critics argue that structural inequalities persist in the province. Some nationalist parties claim that the local population still lacks adequate representation in major economic decisions. Human rights organizations also raise concerns over alleged detentions and restrictions on dissent.
However, Bugti maintains that constructive criticism is welcome, but violence is not. He urged political groups to pursue their goals through dialogue, not militancy.
“We can debate everything — autonomy, development, power-sharing — but we cannot justify killing innocents,” he said. “Anyone holding a gun against Pakistan is not a political worker; he is a terrorist.”
A New Era of Stability
As the press conference concluded, Bugti painted an optimistic picture of Balochistan’s future. He pointed to record infrastructure investment, increased tourism in coastal areas, and the successful holding of international cultural festivals as signs that peace is prevailing.
The government’s Vision 2030 for Balochistan aims to transform the province into a hub of trade, energy, and education. With security improving and foreign investment resuming, Bugti’s administration believes that the province is finally emerging from decades of instability.
“The world will soon see a different Balochistan — educated, prosperous, and at peace,” Bugti said. “Our enemies will fail because we are united.”
Conclusion
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s declaration that “there is no insurgency in Balochistan” reflects both political conviction and strategic messaging. His words underline Pakistan’s determination to expose foreign interference, strengthen provincial governance, and reclaim Balochistan’s image from the shadows of militancy.
While challenges remain — from poverty to misinformation — there is no denying that Balochistan stands at a turning point. Development, not division, now defines its narrative. The government’s mix of hard security measures, reconciliation efforts, and youth empowerment could finally end decades of alienation.
For Pakistan, peace in Balochistan is not just a regional goal but a national imperative. And for Sarfraz Bugti, the mission is clear: defend the province from external conspiracies, rebuild trust with its people, and ensure that no foreign hand can ever again exploit Balochistan’s sons for chaos.
