QUETTA: Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti has denounced the “one-sided narrative” and “propaganda” about the ongoing sit-in in Gwadar and invited Dr Mahrang Baloch and the Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC) for negotiations.
He said that 16 FC personnel were wounded in the Gwadar violence, with one losing an eye. “The state will not be held hostage by anyone, but for the sake of peace, we once again invite Mahrang Baloch for negotiations,” he added.
Bugi, speaking in the Balochistan Assembly on Monday, condemned the international and local portrayal of the Gwadar incident. “India has highlighted this issue, while some of our political leaders have used it for their vote banks,” he stated. The CM said violent mob attacked security forces in Gwadar.
He added said it is the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens, saying, “We cannot leave ordinary people at the mercy of violent mobs. No political leader speaks when non-locals are killed or kidnapped, yet some make statements about missing persons and then say something entirely different in private.”
“We asked Mahrang to hold their rally elsewhere, and the government would provide all facilities and responsibilities,” he said. “We were aware of their intentions to disrupt peace and order,” he noted.
Bugti told the provincial assembly that the protest in Gwadar turned violent, with attacks on security personnel. “We cannot allow mobs to run the assembly,” he said. “There is a significant conspiracy against Pakistan, involving certain elements, self-proclaimed human rights advocates, political leaders, and social media.”
He dismissed claims that the entire province of Balochistan was shut down, adding that life in every division was normal. “The people of Balochistan know that their progress is with Pakistan,” he said, condemning social media for spreading discord.
Highlighting the progress of the Baloch people, Bugti noted, “Today, a Baloch is the President of Pakistan, which indicates our development.” He affirmed the government’s readiness for talks “The doors for negotiations remain open. We are prepared to accept all demands of the protesters, except one.”
