Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has drawn criticism after a video surfaced online showing him urging students at a government girls’ college to promote a pro-Pakistan narrative on social media.
During his visit to the Government Girls Degree College last week, the Chief Minister reportedly asked students to pledge that they would post content in support of Pakistan. “Promise me that you will go home and post in favour of Pakistan,” Bugti was quoted as saying.
According to witnesses, several students declined to take part, stating that as students they did not wish to engage in political activities. Bugti allegedly responded in a threatening tone, telling one student that “Pakistan will continue without you” and that “no one can harm it.”
He went on to say that promoting Pakistan’s narrative was a moral duty, adding that those who failed to do so would be answerable “on the Day of Judgement before the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
The incident’s video, which circulated widely on social media, has prompted backlash from students and political figures who accused the Chief Minister of intimidating students inside an educational institution.
Former senator and Balochistan National Party leader Sana Baloch criticised the remarks, noting that the Balochistan High Court has banned all political activities and slogans within educational institutions. “It is difficult to imagine such a speech being delivered in a government college despite a court order,” he said.
Student groups have also pointed out that while the court’s decision has been used to restrict student organisations and dissent, government officials and security officers frequently hold events promoting the state’s position inside campuses.
Several Baloch social and political commentators described the episode as part of a broader effort by the state to suppress dissent and promote official propaganda, warning that such measures could further deepen alienation in the region.