QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that targeting innocent civilians was a deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between Baloch youth and the state.
He asserted that Baloch traditions would never support the killing of innocents and emphasized that while criticism of the government’s performance is acceptable, it should not result in alienation from the state.
Speaking at a ceremony for the distribution of educational scholarships under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program, Bugti highlighted the Balochistan Youth Policy, which aims to engage young people with the state and offer them opportunities for advancement. He underscored the role of education in combating poverty and pledged to expand the scholarship program.
Bugti announced that the initiative will offer quality education to deserving students, including children of martyrs, minorities, and top performers from various districts. He revealed that 200 students would be selected for higher education at prestigious universities worldwide, with the program also extending to transgender individuals.
The Chief Minister outlined additional measures to empower youth, including technical and vocational training for 30,000 individuals and the “Akuhwat” program, which provides interest-free loans to support business ventures.
Bugti reaffirmed his commitment to merit-based appointments, urging citizens to report any instances of bribery or favoritism in the recruitment process. He assured that job allocations would be handled on a contractual basis to maintain transparency and fairness.
He emphasized the importance of public service, calling on citizens to demonstrate their commitment to the country and state. Bugti assured that development projects would be carried out across all districts without bias and that the public would be kept informed about their progress.
Concluding his address, Bugti stressed that democracy is defined by effective service delivery and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to addressing public concerns through decisive action.
