QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that nearly 100 militants surrendered in Dera Bugti.
He announced during a press conference in Quetta. He welcomed the positive development toward restoring lasting peace in the province.
The Chief Minister stressed the state must wholeheartedly welcome all those who choose to return.
Therefore, he emphasised that reconciliation is vital for stabilising the region. He said that the militants had operated from the mountains.
Moreover, many had previously returned in 2010 before resuming armed activity.
Compromise and Sacrifice
The Chief Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel. He passionately emphasised that “our martyrs are our pride.”
He revealed that 205 soldiers, including six officers, have been martyred in terrorist incidents across Balochistan.
Similarly, 280 civilians have also lost their lives. Security forces’ operations, however, resulted in the killing of 760 terrorists.
The Chief Minister said that “a futile conflict” pushed the Baloch people into fighting.
For instance, he recalled that he himself survived an attack in the past where two people were injured.
Also, he remembered that targeted violence martyred the father of Jamal Raisani in 2018. Bugti asserted that “the state comes first”.
He vowed that personal ego means nothing when it comes to Pakistan’s stability. He reiterated that the state will accommodate those abandoning violence.
In addition, efforts against terrorism will continue with full determination.
The surrender of Wadera Noor Ali Chakrani, a senior commander, and over 100 associates is a major development in the region’s peace efforts.
