Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday declared that the state will not allow its writ to be challenged, stressing that tough operations against terrorists are the need of the hour.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, CM Bugti said the provincial government had attempted negotiations despite being under no external pressure.

He reiterated that those who surrender their weapons and join the national mainstream will find the doors open, but those who wage war against the state should not expect any leniency.

CM Bugti alleged that militants in Balochistan are funded by India and given sanctuary in Afghanistan.

He disclosed that a university professor had planned terrorist activities and insisted that terrorists should not be seen through the lens of their professions.

“A terrorist is only a terrorist,” he remarked, adding that an advocate was also placed under surveillance for links with a militant network.

Detailing recent operations, the chief minister said intelligence-based actions to restore peace were in full swing.

He said that militants Zubair, alias Shah Ji, and Nisar had been killed in a recent encounter, while another militant, Jahanzeb, had surrendered to the security forces.

Bugti said that several individuals, including a professor and a lawyer, had been arrested for being part of a terrorist network.

He further alleged that different militant groups in Balochistan were being brought together under the direct patronage of India’s intelligence agency, RAW.

“Terrorists have no religion and no profession; their sole purpose is to destabilise Pakistan,” he said.

According to him, militants were monitoring the movements of Chinese nationals and projects in the province, but timely action by the security forces had averted a major tragedy.

CM Bugti maintained that the government had made repeated offers of talks, but those who pick up arms against the state are following an agenda to break Pakistan.

He questioned the logic behind targeting the poor, asking why labourers were killed if grievances were genuinely about deprivation.

Referring to recent protests by Dr Mahrang, he criticised the blocking of roads despite court orders against such disruptions, and noted that no government in the world permits armed groups to operate freely.

The chief minister also announced that operations would now be enhanced with the use of satellite imagery to track militants and that strict measures were being introduced to curb drug smuggling.

He added that just as the TTP’s members were once given a chance to abandon militancy, similar opportunities were being offered in Balochistan to those willing to reintegrate into the national mainstream.