Lahore: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Saturday said political disagreements and grievances over deprivation could not justify violence, calling for education, dialogue and democratic engagement to address the province’s challenges.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Lahore, Bugti said the people of Balochistan were equal citizens of Pakistan and that their concerns regarding development, poverty and access to opportunities needed to be addressed.

“Our loyalty to Pakistan is unconditional,” he said, emphasising that the province’s problems should be resolved through political and constitutional means. The chief minister identified three challenges facing Balochistan: narratives that seek to justify violence, armed militancy and the use of social media to influence young people.

He accused certain groups of exploiting public grievances to promote separatist violence, arguing that concerns over poverty, underdevelopment and political exclusion should not be used to legitimise attacks.

Bugti also urged political commentators and analysts to examine the province’s situation through factual assessments rather than narratives that could encourage violence. His remarks come against the backdrop of Balochistan’s longstanding security and governance challenges, including militant attacks, disputes over resource distribution, limited economic opportunities and demands for greater political representation.

The province has experienced decades of separatist militancy, while political activists and rights organisations have raised concerns about enforced disappearances, access to justice and the treatment of communities affected by security operations.

These issues have contributed to competing perspectives on the causes of instability. Government officials have emphasised counterterrorism and development initiatives, while rights groups and political representatives have called for greater accountability, political participation and institutional reforms.

Bugti's address placed particular emphasis on the role of young people, as the provincial government seeks to counter militant recruitment and narratives circulated through digital platforms. He maintained that addressing legitimate grievances required engagement within democratic institutions rather than resorting to armed confrontation.

The chief minister's remarks highlighted the continuing challenge of responding to Balochistan's development and political concerns while confronting militancy and restoring public confidence in state institutions.