CM Bugti says 'no dialogue' with those taking up arms against state

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Saturday there would be “no dialogue in any case” with those who took up arms against the state. He made the remarks while speaking via video link to the country’s media anchors, senior journalists and other representatives at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday, according to a statement issued by his office. CM Bugti said the war against terrorism would continue in Balochistan until the “last terrorist” was eliminated, adding that it was not possible to control the entire province while sitting in Quetta. He affirmed that the civil and military leadership were united against terrorism and there was “no ambiguity or confusion” on the matter.

The chief minister noted that security forces were performing their duties in difficult circumstances in Balochistan, adding that state institutions were working in complete coordination in the fight against terrorism. Before the talk with journalists, CM Bugti was also provided multiple briefings covering the provincial government’s strategy for social and economic development, governance and service delivery, effective use of development funds, and measures to ensure that development projects benefited the people. A briefing on minerals and mining highlighted the sector’s potential, ongoing projects and measures being taken to develop it and better utilise the province’s mineral resources, the statement said. The Ministry of Interior and Tribal Affairs also briefed the chief minister on the law and order situation, the Provincial Action Plan, police reforms and progress on the integration of the Levies Force into the police, the statement added. Bugti was also briefed on the Safe City project, legislation and coordination among law-enforcement agencies. During the…