Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday said the provincial government was prepared to engage in political dialogue with its opponents and rehabilitate militants who renounce violence, while warning that security operations would continue against those who refuse to surrender.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the 20th basic training course of the Anti Terrorism Force in Quetta, Bugti said the government remained committed to resolving political differences through dialogue despite the province’s ongoing security challenges.
“The door of political discourse is open for all, even though some factions are guilty of bloodshed,” he said.
The chief minister said the government had devised a reintegration programme under which former militants who abandon armed activity would be offered government employment, education for their children and healthcare facilities to help them return to normal life.
However, he warned that those who continued to take up arms would face sustained action by the state.
“If they still choose to bear arms and rebel, the government, the people and the security forces will not bow to the pressure,” he said.
Bugti said individuals who surrendered would be given an opportunity to reintegrate into society and contribute to the province’s development.
His remarks come amid a rise in militant violence in Balochistan, where coordinated attacks in January killed dozens of civilians and security personnel before security forces launched a major counteroffensive in which more than 100 militants were reported killed.