Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti delivered a forceful address at the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Balochistan Assembly lawn on Saturday, marking the nation’s 79th Independence Day. The event was attended by federal and provincial lawmakers, including ministers from Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring a message of national solidarity.

In his speech, Bugti extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation, emphasizing that Pakistan’s journey from scratch to a prominent global position including its status as a nuclear power was a testament to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the founding fathers.

"Today is a day to renew our commitment," Bugti stated, adding that Pakistan's growing international stature, evidenced by defense cooperation agreements with multiple countries, reflects its strategic importance. He paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza for their leadership in steering the country toward development.

Addressing separatist narratives, the Chief Minister delivered a sharp rebuttal, asserting that Balochistan’s overwhelming participation in Independence Day celebrations ; from districts to villages ; was clear proof of the people's loyalty to Pakistan.

"Those who think Balochistan is separating from Pakistan, or that terrorist forces can succeed in breaking Pakistan through violence, are living in a fool's paradise," Bugti declared. He noted that the massive public enthusiasm for the events had effectively negated all negative propaganda.

Bugti reiterated the government’s dual-track approach: a firm hand against militancy and an open hand for reconciliation.

"The doors of the state and government have always been open and will remain so. However, we cannot hold negotiations with elements that massacre innocent citizens," he said. He stressed that history shows dialogues succeed only with political actors, not terrorist groups.

He called on those engaged in insurgency to abandon the path of violence and return to the national mainstream, warning that if militancy continued, the state would impose its writ at all costs.

"Neither the Balochistan government nor the security forces will step back a single inch," he asserted, vowing that every necessary sacrifice would be made to uphold state sovereignty.

The Chief Minister identified youth integration as a critical priority, with meritocracy as the primary tool to bring young Baloch into the state fold. "By providing opportunities on merit, we have made Balochistan better than before, and we will continue these efforts," he assured.

Bugti paid glowing tributes to the Balochistan Police, Pakistan Armed Forces, FC Balochistan, and all civilian martyrs. "Your families' grief is our grief; the great sacrifice of your loved ones will be remembered forever. The state will always remain indebted to the sacred blood of its martyrs," he said.

He Thanks participants from other provincial assemblies, the Senate, National Assembly, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir, Bugti emphasized that their presence as a clear message of national cohesion.

"Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan; without Balochistan, Pakistan is incomplete, and without Pakistan, Balochistan has no completion," he concluded.

The ceremony also featured a moment of condolence for the young son of Speaker Balochistan Assembly Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, with the Chief Minister and attendees praying for the departed soul and for patience for the bereaved family.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, August 14th , 2026