Balochistan’s newly-elected Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti Saturday reaffirmed the provincial government’s plan to continue engaging in dialogue with those involved in armed insurgency.
Bugti extended the olive branch to dissidents in his victory speech after being elected as the province’s chief executive. “Deterrence and dialogue are the two options that the government has to address the [law and order] situation in Balochistan,” he said while calling on armed groups to join the mainstream politics and play their role in the province’s development.
The chief minister urged the Baloch insurgents to continue their struggle while adhering to the Constitution of Pakistan, stressing that there will be no compromise on the state’s writ.
He noted that those fighting for their “rights” can only achieve their goals via the parliamentary route and not armed struggle.
Bugti, the PPP leader, was elected unopposed as the leader of the house by 41 votes. Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai chaired the session.
The chief minister was sworn in as the province’s chief executive by Governor Abdul Wali Kakar in a ceremony held at the Governor House.
