No need for military operation in Balochistan: Sarfaraz Bugti

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has said that a military operation in the province is unnecessary, as terrorists do not possess enough strength to justify such action.

He said that if his resignation could end terrorism, he is willing to resign. He made these remarks while speaking to the media after visiting injured coal miners at the civil hospital in Quetta on Saturday.

Bugti expressed concern over the increasing incidents of terrorism in Balochistan, saying that terrorists are once again after soft targets, resulting in the deaths of innocent and defenceless workers. He also mentioned that a security plan review is underway and that a provincial apex committee meeting has been scheduled for October 15 to discuss terrorism-related incidents. He assured that the provincial government has full support from the federal government.

Following the Duki incident, Bugti said that operations are ongoing, and the details will be presented in the assembly. He also said that six terrorists involved in the killing of former DC Panjgur Zakir have been eliminated. Bugti further instructed that all government hospitals in the province be supplied with necessary medicines, adding that competent officials have been appointed in the health department to improve services.

The chief minister also highlighted that the suspension of 4G services would disrupt terrorist communications.

Bugti praised the security forces in Turbat for recovering explosives, preventing a potential disaster in the city.

He also mentioned ongoing efforts to increase financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives in terrorist incidents. Earlier, he visited the trauma centre at the civil hospital, where he met with the injured labourers from the Duki incident. The chief minister prayed for their recovery and expressed his good wishes.

During the visit, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and MD of the Trauma Centre, Dr. Kamran Khan Kasi, briefed him on the medical care being provided to the labourers and other patients at the centre. Bugti assured the families of the injured that all victims would receive proper treatment and compensation.

Provincial ministers Mir Sadiq Umrani, Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Haji Ali Madad Jatak, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Mir Saleem Ahmed Khoso, Inspector General of Police Balochistan Moazzam Jah Ansari, Secretary of Health Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panezai, Director General of Health Balochistan Dr. Ameen Khan Mandokhail, MD of the Trauma Centre Dr. Kamran Khan Kasi, and Medical Superintendent of Civil Sandeman Hospital Dr. Muhammad Ishaq Panezai were also present.