Balochistan Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti Offers General Amnesty, Urges Insurgents to Embrace Dialogue

In a bid to address the longstanding Balochistan insurgency, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has extended an olive branch to Baloch insurgents, urging them to forsake violence and embrace mainstream politics. Reported by The News International, Bugti announced that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led government would declare a “general amnesty” as part of efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

Bugti emphasized the government’s readiness to engage in dialogue with any willing parties, expressing his desire to resolve the insurgency peacefully. Despite enduring numerous assassination attempts, Bugti maintained a stance of forgiveness, stating, “I have forgiven all those (elements), as there is no flame of revenge in my heart.”

Acknowledging the toll of the conflict, Bugti underscored his commitment to establishing peace in Balochistan. He affirmed the revival of a peaceful Balochistan policy aimed at integrating insurgents into mainstream politics. However, Bugti cautioned that failure to embrace dialogue would compel the state to assert its authority.

While Bugti refrained from disclosing specifics of the “general amnesty,” he assured that details would be revealed once finalized. Regarding missing persons, Bugti acknowledged the federal government’s efforts through a dedicated commission, which has reportedly resolved 80 percent of cases.

Highlighting the severity of the insurgency, Bugti lamented the loss of tens of thousands of lives to terror incidents in Balochistan. He attributed many missing persons’ cases to terrorist attacks, emphasizing the insurgency’s detrimental impact on peace and stability in the region.

Bugti’s remarks come amidst heightened militant activity in Balochistan, as reported by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The surge in attacks underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying grievances fueling the insurgency and underscores Bugti’s commitment to dialogue as a means of conflict resolution.

As Balochistan grapples with ongoing challenges, Bugti’s call for amnesty and dialogue represents a pivotal step towards fostering reconciliation and stability in the region. The success of these efforts hinges on the willingness of all stakeholders to engage constructively in the pursuit of peace.