How to stop terrorism in Balochistan was a crucial topic in Sarfraz Bugti’s address at the closing ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Literature Festival 2024 (Quetta chapter). Organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, the event saw Bugti discussing pressing issues.
The CM expressed concern, stating, “We are the only nation in the world that even kills its own educators.” He questioned how progress in education is possible and reflected on the tragic killing of Professor Nazima Talib in April 2009. “Today, health and education are lost,” he said, adding, “We have destroyed this entire system ourselves; the people of Balochistan are responsible for it.”
Bugti emphasized the need for dialogue to stop terrorism in Balochistan. He mentioned his willingness to investigate the case of his late friend, Usman Lala. He acknowledged that the youth are disillusioned with the government. “Change can be brought about through dialogue,” he remarked. “Our youth is our strength; we love them limitlessly.”
Bugti highlighted the challenges faced by the youth, such as wandering aimlessly with degrees and the issue of job sales. He questioned how the current generation could cope with these problems and stressed his commitment to protecting every citizen in Balochistan.
The Balochistan government, he said, aims to find solutions through dialogue. “We need to reduce the gap between the government and the youth,” Bugti maintained, asserting that Baloch rights cannot be obtained through weapons.
In response to a question, Bugti expressed sympathy for the people of Chaman. He criticized the mainstream media for its coverage of explosions or deaths in Balochistan. Instead, he called for investigative journalism from platforms like Gatehouse Journals. He also criticized the rise of unverified social media journalism and the misuse of AI, vowing to uphold integrity.
Bugti promised to end the sale of jobs and urged the public to help identify corrupt individuals. “You will have to come forward to remove these black sheep,” he said.
The festival concluded with sessions featuring Bushra Ansari, Adnan Siddiqui, and Sohail Ahmed Azizi. A grand Mushaira followed, with renowned poets like Anwar Shaoor, Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Abbas Tabish, and others, receiving thunderous applause. Amber Haseeb Amber and Shakeel Khan moderated the event. A large number of Quetta’s citizens participated on the final day of the festival.
