Bugti says talks possible within Constitution, rules out compromise on state security

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti Tuesday said Pakistan and Balochistan were inseparable and that the provincial government was prepared for dialogue with all sides as long as talks remained within the framework of the Constitution.

Addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan, Bugti said there could be no negotiations with groups seeking to break up the country or undermine its sovereignty.

“The state is above everything, and there can be no compromise on national security,” he said.

Bugti said violence, social media propaganda and what he described as attempts to present militant narratives as legitimate political voices were being used to promote hatred against the state.

He alleged that such tactics were part of broader efforts to weaken and divide Pakistan.

The chief minister rejected the argument that uneven development was the main cause of violence in Balochistan.

He said Turbat and several other parts of the province had seen significant development, but separatist and militant movements had not ended there.

Bugti said anti-state groups were not seeking to address underdevelopment or improve public welfare but wanted to impose their ideology through armed force.

He accused such elements of trying to divide Pakistan and said the government would resist any attempt to threaten the country’s territorial integrity.

The chief minister said the provincial government remained open to political engagement and negotiations over grievances related to governance, rights and development.

However, he said there could be no dialogue over demands aimed at dismantling the state.

Bugti said complaints about governance and public administration could be discussed and addressed, but national security was non-negotiable.

He said the government and people of Balochistan would not hesitate to make sacrifices for Pakistan.

The chief minister also said rebuilding the confidence of young people required a transparent and merit-based system.

He announced that artificial intelligence would be used to strengthen recruitment procedures and ensure appointments were made on merit.

Bugti said technology-based recruitment could reduce political interference, improve transparency and provide equal opportunities to qualified candidates.

He added that restoring public trust, especially among young people, was essential for long-term stability and development in Balochistan.

Reporter: Essa Tareen