Balochistan launches first research center to counter violent extremism

In a landmark initiative aimed at curbing trends of violence and extremist narratives, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti here on Thursday inaugurated the province’s first-ever dedicated research facility, the Balochistan Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) In a landmark initiative aimed at curbing trends of violence and extremist narratives, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti here on Thursday inaugurated the province’s first-ever dedicated research facility, the Balochistan Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Provincial Home Minister Mir Zia Langau, members of the provincial assembly, senior government officials and representatives of relevant institutions. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat delivered a detailed briefing on the center’s objectives, research scope, and future plans.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the center would highlight the challenges faced by youth and provide concrete foundations for solutions through research. He stressed that engaging young people in positive activities remained the government’s top priority, while discouraging violent ideologies and extremist rhetoric required practical measures. Sarfraz Bugti praised the efforts of the provincial home minister, the additional chief secretary and the administration for bringing the project to fruition.

Following the inauguration, the chief minister visited the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Quetta campus, where he planted a tree and chaired a meeting. Later, he addressed students during a youth dialogue session, underscoring the importance of critical inquiry and research in distinguishing between perception and reality.

Sarfraz Bugti warned that Pakistan, like many societies, faced challenges from propaganda narratives, noting that organized negative campaigns against the state were often driven by elements that never accepted Pakistan’s existence.

He highlighted that perceptions spread faster than facts, creating distortions about Balochistan’s reality. “Balochistan has a beautiful and positive story in Pakistan’s history, but certain elements have deliberately misrepresented these facts,” he said.

The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue at all levels on Balochistan’s realities and the state’s narrative. Sharing his personal experiences, he revealed that he had survived 17 deadly attacks but remained prepared to face “seventeen hundred more” in defense of the state.

During the youth dialogue, Bugti encouraged the students to ask questions freely, assuring them that every query would be answered with patience, logic, and evidence.

The students posed questions on historical, social, political, and administrative issues, which the Chief Minister addressed in detail.

CM Sarfraz Bugti concluded by stressing that meritocracy and continuous dialogue were essential to bridging the gap between the youth and the state, pledging to continue engaging with young people to build trust and resilience against extremist narratives.