QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed that the long-standing issue of missing persons in the province has been resolved permanently. Bugti stated this after chairing a provincial cabinet meeting today.
He shared his position through a post on X, where he criticised political actors for exploiting the issue for personal gain.
Bugti said certain groups had politicised the matter, blamed the state, and sought votes by using the suffering of families. He asserted that his government had taken concrete steps to resolve the issue for the first time. He added that law enforcement agencies now operate under a defined legal framework to investigate suspects, which would prevent allegations against the state regarding enforced disappearances.
Government outlines new framework for interrogation
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government explained that suspects will now be questioned at designated interrogation centres under the supervision of authorised police officers. The spokesperson confirmed that authorities will allow family members to meet suspects during the process, which officials say will increase transparency and public confidence.
Moreover, the government believes the new framework will ensure accountability while maintaining the rule of law across the province.
Observers note that the missing persons issue has remained one of the most sensitive and contentious topics in Balochistan for years. Therefore, the government’s announcement marks a significant political development and is likely to draw strong public and media attention in the coming days.
Cabinet approves administrative and social reforms
Alongside the statement on missing persons, the provincial cabinet approved several administrative reforms aimed at improving governance. The cabinet authorised the creation of two new divisions, Pishin and Koh-e-Suleiman, to enhance administrative efficiency. Under the new arrangement, Ziarat will fall under the administrative control of Loralai.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the establishment of a Municipal Committee Karbala in Pishin district and finalised an evaluation policy for law officers. It also decided to prohibit forced labour for children under the age of 16, reinforcing child protection measures.
In addition, the cabinet approved a policy to verify the educational documents of contract teachers. The chief minister directed the inspection team to begin verification in Nasirabad and Dera Bugti and instructed authorities to register FIRs against individuals found holding fake degrees.
