Sarfraz Bugti takes oath of chief minister of Balochistan after being elected ‘unopposed

Sarfraz Bugti took the oath of chief minister of Balochistan after being elected unopposed.

Balochistan Governor Abdul Wali Kakar administers oath to Sarfraz Bugti as province’s chief minister at the Governor House in Quetta, on Saturday.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader Sarfraz Bugti was elected unopposed as the chief minister of Balochistan on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Bugti secured a vote of confidence from the provincial assembly.

In a 65-member house, at least 41 MPAs voted in Sarfaza Bugti’s favour.

While JUIF and the National Party did not participate in the voting process.

JUIF has 13 lawmakers in the Balochistan Assembly and National Party 4.

In his victory speech, Bugti extended the olive branch to dissidents.

“Deterrence and dialogue are the two options that the government has to address the [law and order] situation in Balochistan,” Bugti said while calling on armed groups to join the mainstream politics and play their role in the province’s development.

The new chief minister also urged the Baloch insurgents to continue their struggle while adhering to the Constitution of Pakistan, stressing that there will be no compromise on the state’s writ.

He maintained that those fighting for their “rights” can only achieve their goals via the parliamentary route and not armed struggle.

The newly elected CM in his maiden speech also promised to reach the streets of calamity hit Gwadar first thing tomorrow to take part in its de-watering.

Bugti joined PPP before the February 8 elections.

He served as the federal interior minister in the caretaker setup for months but stepped down days before the election schedule was announced to become a candidate in the election.