QUETTA(National Times)- Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday said the sacrifices of security forces would not go in vain, vowing that the state would not retreat “even an inch” in its fight against terrorism.
Addressing the 20th training course at the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) Training School in Quetta, he accused anti-state elements of carrying out terrorist attacks to destabilise Pakistan while simultaneously launching propaganda campaigns to blame the state and create unrest.
CM Bugti urged political parties not to politicise terrorism, saying the country needed national unity and institutional stability rather than political divisions.
He said the Balochistan Police, ATF, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Operations Wing (SOW) were playing a frontline role in combating terrorism. He added that the provincial government was committed to transforming these units into stronger, modern and more effective fighting forces.
He announced that the units would be equipped with advanced weapons, modern equipment, specialised training and all necessary resources to enhance their operational capabilities.
He alleged that Baloch youth were being pushed into a “futile war” that had brought only violence, underdevelopment and the loss of educational and economic opportunities. He said the government remained open to those willing to renounce violence and return to the national mainstream, with rehabilitation, education, employment and social reintegration programmes already in place.
However, he warned that those seeking to impose their ideology through armed violence would not succeed.
The chief minister also announced an increase in salaries and allowances for personnel serving in the ATF, CTD and Special Operations Wing. He said the provincial government would further strengthen support for families of fallen security personnel, including taking responsibility for the welfare and education of their children.
To improve the force’s capacity, CM Bugti approved a Rs150 million grant for upgrading the infrastructure of the ATF Training School, ordered an increase in trainers’ basic salaries and directed a review of feeding charges for trainees.
Speaking on occasion, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan said the police continued to play a frontline role in safeguarding lives and property and combating terrorism alongside other law enforcement agencies, adding that the sacrifices of police martyrs would never be forgotten.
The IGP said 284 Balochistan police personnel, including three women constables, had successfully completed the course.
Congratulating the graduating officers on their outstanding performance, Mr Khan said that, for the first time in Balochistan’s history, three female constables from the district police had received formal anti-terrorism training alongside their male counterparts.
