28th July’s gathering aims to sabotage  CPEC phase 2: CM Balochistan
28th July’s gathering aims to sabotage  CPEC phase 2: CM Balochistan
Mohammad Zafar Baloch
Lead

QUETTA: The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, has stated that no group will be allowed to challenge the state’s authority. As the second phase of CPEC is about to begin, those who oppose it have suddenly decided to hold a gathering in Gwadar to sabotage it, which will not be permitted.

He made these remarks on Friday during the Balochistan Assembly session, discussing the province’s law and order situation.

The Chief Minister underscored that an intelligence war has been initiated by RAW against Pakistan and Balochistan. In the province, people are being killed under the pretext of being informers. Extortion money is being collected from mine owners, and terrorists, whom all of Pakistan considers to be disgruntled Baloch, have been killing innocent civilians. A special in-camera assembly session will be convened to discuss this matter.

The Chief Minister said that there is a conspiracy to create discord between the Pakistan Armed Forces, the government, and the public through social media. Pakistan is currently safe because of its army; today, 28,000 young men from Balochistan are stationed in the Pakistan Army. Isn’t this army the army of the Baloch people? He mentioned an onslaught to create a rift between the nation and institutions through social media.

He added that in Balochistan, some people are being used as proxies for miscreants and terrorists, being sent to the streets to provoke the police and the government into taking action against them. During the sit-in on Saryab Road, the civil administration negotiated with the protesters, but these people attempted to take over the Red Zone. The Red Zone is where government machinery operates. The government does not believe in using force, but when a group tries to take over the governmental system and claims to be peaceful, this will not be allowed.

He said that the right to protest is guaranteed by the constitution, and it is their responsibility to manage the location and system of this protest. Today, the government is designating Hockey Chowk for protests; those who wish to protest should go there.

The Chief Minister has said that there are reports that the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) wants to attack Gwadar during the gathering. Some individuals are on the streets acting as spokespersons for ‘terrorists’. There is no room for violence. He stated that the government will ensure security for the Baloch Yakjethi Committee (BYC) protest.

CM Bugti said that there is no room for those who use violence or attempt to weaken Pakistan; the state is being compelled to assert its authority. He invited protesters to come and negotiate, to sit with the government, and agree on a place for the protest.

He mentioned that it is said that the issue in Balochistan is political, but this is not the case. Picking up arms is not a political act; rather, discussing issues in Parliament is a political act.

The CM stressed that by enhancing the capabilities of the police and levies, actions will be taken against unrest and crime. He mentioned that today he is instructing the IG Police to make the police non-political; for the next six months, no member of the assembly or politician will interfere in police work. The IG Police should appoint honest officers.

The Chief Minister emphasized that they will uphold the authority of the state and will provide the people of Balochistan with development, schools, scholarships, and health facilities.