Adil Najam
Government sources in Pakistan have just announced that Nawab Akbar Bugti, chief of the Bugti tribe, veteran politician, and senior Baluchistan leader, has been killed in a shootout between “tribal militants and government forces” in Balochistan.
This is very sad and disturbing news that cannot bode well for anyone. While details are still coming in, BBC reports:
The battle near his mountain hideout in south-west Pakistan also caused heavy casualties on both sides, reports say. More than 20 soldiers and at least 30 rebels died, officials say. The octogenarian has been at the head of a tribal campaign to win political autonomy and a greater share of revenue from Balochistan’s gas reserves. “It is confirmed, Nawab Bugti has been killed in an operation,” Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told Reuters news agency. The battle reportedly took place near the town of Dera Bugti, not far from Mr Bugti’s hideout.
According to a newsflash posted on The News website:
Jamhori Watan Party (JWP) chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a historical operation carried out by security forces in Kohlu and Murree tribal areas on Saturday night, Federal Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani confirmed… Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) leader Makhdoom Amin Faheem termed Akbar Bugti’s death an incident which could worsen security situation in Pakistan.
The death, and the manner of death, of the veteran Baluch leader will indeed worsen the security situation in Baluchistan and exacerbate the feeling of marginalization amongst Baluchis. Nawab Bugti had, at various points in his life, ‘butted heads’ with just about all major leaders in Pakistan. His recent standoff with the Musharraf government was not the highpoint of his own political career but it may well be the lowest point of the Musharraf rule. However, more than the implications on immediate politics – which will become more clear and more pronounced over the next many days – this marks a tragic end to the life of an important political leader.
Born on July 12, 1927, Nawab Bugto was a ‘ tribal’ who was educated at Oxford, England, Aitchison College, Lahore and Karachi Grammar School and has served as Governor and Chief Minister of Baluchistan. Mr. Bugti’s legacy was clearly a mixed one and will be much debated and much dissected. He was, however, a major leader and this was indeed a sad and tragic way to go.
I have been reading statments of those looney politicians that Pakistan is in danger and things will go worst blah blah.I ask why?What happened today that it didnt happen before?Bhutto was executed,Zia was killed so murtaza bhutto and others.What happened?nothing.Was tht Bugti more popular and prominent than Bhutto and Zia.?
We are nation who posses short memory.It will hardly take a month and everyone will get busy in his business.So chil! Nothing bad is gonna happen Inshallah.I see all politicians who actually singing praises of Bugti would be very happy to see his end but they might be afraid that General could blow anyone up if they stopped obeying him.
@Umera Sahiba:I didn’t mean ot offend your professional but we all know that jail is a heaven on earth for these politicians.Same jail become hell for laymen and for people like Faiz Ahmed Faiz.Now not every Pakistani could pen like Fiaz and comeup with masterpiece like “Lazim hey k hum bhe dekhain gay”.
BTW,is it possible that I could be provided same facilies which was enjoyed by Mr.100%.I am tired of giving utility bills and for other expenses.I need some rest.Can you do something for me?
I am reading this website first time today, because I am worried about the consequences of Nawab Bugti’s death.
first, I would like to comment on the moderated tone of the discussion, quite unlike many other political blogs. Congratulations!
In substance, I think that the USA push General Musharraf to take control of any areas where al-Qaida members could possibly hide. Unhappily, — I think, — these areas are areas which live in a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, “tribal” rule and government control.
The British learned after a lot of bloodshed that these areas are best left alone, as some people simply don’t like to be ruled, don’t want to be part of an empire, kingdom, or republic. Since the time of Alexander the Great, no ruler ever really ruled Afghanistan, NWFP or Balochistan, — as far as I know. The Soviet Union and the USA got their noses bloodied in Afghanistan too.
Maybe I am wrong, but isn’t the fundamental issue, that these “tribals” agree to be part of Pakistan but not much more. Why should they not be left alone? The USA might not like that people who fight for democracy in Saudi Arabia can hide in NWFP, but what is good for Pakistan? Several small civil wars, or autonomy in internal administration for the provinces?
Switzerland is a small country made up of small states, but as small as they are, none of them wants to be ruled the same way as another one. No German or Austrian ruler ever succeeded to teach them otherwise. Now Switzerland has 25 constitutions, four languages, different laws in each state, different taxes… AND PEACE!
Saif,
I am a lawyer and not a judge. The rules of the game are very different for both.
Quite an interesting discussion piece with vast points of view.
I must clarify as some have already pointing out that we need to be clear when comment if we are criticizing the approach and method of the act of killing or whether we support or oppose Bugti and his actions.
I think most would agree, Bugti was a feudal lord, and a very evil one indeed. He had his own militia and jails, and was a state within a state. All his qualifications are of no value with his approach to leadership. He was a brutal murderer; he has made no effort to help his people in terms of education. He was arms dealer and intimidated others with his militia and khounda bazi. Before his death several attempts were made to reach a compromise with him to be abide with the government and state. Last I heard, Mushahid Hussein and others had been sent to talk with to at least disarm his militia and close his jails. He did not agree. Most auto thefts occurring in Karachi ended up in his estate etc. And without going into great details he was a zalim leader, who has amputated army folks, police or anyone inquiry or pursuing law and order in the region.
BTW, a zalim in Islam is never to be supported any person who commits zulm should be punished and never be supported.
Now with such a track record, although I too have been skeptical about the approach by the government in killing him, but now that he is dead I think it is best thing for Pakistan.
Please keep in mind I speak as a Pakistani for the greater good of Pakistan. This act although controversial sets a great precedent for all feudal lords that have manipulated there people and abused them on the basis of power. That as a feudal lord you are not above the law and the last thing you can get away with is having your own militia and jails cells and capture or intimidate whomever you wish. We are living in the 21st century and as it is Pakistan is a front line state with a lot of global pressure already convinced to be a extremist state, which is not the case, but until the existence of such leaders we had no hope, now with such a bold act on the part of the government we send a message, that no one is above the law.
Chairman Mao did it in China to eradicate feudalism, and look at China where it is today. USA had their civil war, in which over 700,000 men died for the sake of confirming to the federation, and if we have to we need to let all these bastards know that you can’t be part of Pakistan and run your own territorial badmashis, where there are no checks and balances.
Already the government is showing and committing to the betterment of Balauchistan for better economy and prosperity, by disarming and relocating Baluchis. Indeed this was a bold step, and like others, I too always criticize Musharraf and the government, but for once I support their action and may I add support that such an act could only have been handled by a military government not a civil one, that is not to say I’m not in favor for a civilian government to return.
Moreover, please keep in mind from a capitalist stand point, we as a our country are nto investing millions in Gwader port only to have this criminal control the land and exploit the people from building a pipeline to central Asia. In deed one can argue their our others parties involved with vested interested outside of Pakistan, but at the end of the day such a port and trade will help Pakistan and alleviate some poverty especially in our largest province of Baluchistan. It is high time we clean up our own land, before we point fingers at others.
By finally having control over Baluchistan and not the bugtis etc, we now can work towards more accountability even on the terror front of O.B.L. not going back and forth within this region. Had we not taken such an action you know this region would have been a bombed field from outside forces in a couple of years, is that what we wished to wait for. Enough is enough and hopefully this sends a message to the rest to get up and fix your acts or you can face similar ends. And Please don’t compare this to Z.A.K. who was a man of the people , Bugti certainly thrived on h is power of land and arms, not a democractic leader, he had been in power so long that baluchis in the area would think that is only way for prosperity under his security while the government will show them now and is so that their security need not stem from guns and militias, but healthier economy and law and order.
I say they get Megal and Mari and his grandsons two if they haven’t already and please keep in mind the government is all for surrender if these guys disarm they are letting most of the local folks go on their way and providing them housing etc.
This is definitely a controversial act, but an act which required balls, (excuse my language), and Mush has done it, and this should be a message to all. If you wish to criticize do so, but only if you have a better policy or solution not only for the sake of criticizing where one day Western media is making a case to act us too only because they feel we all are a bunch of extremists, then I’d see how much of you would be appealing to the Bugtis and like to save Pakistan.
The referred article on the Armed Forces Journal, titled Blood Brothers, about remodelling the Middle East based on ethnic/sectarian lines is actually a very, very interesting read. While most of you will dismiss it as nonsensical, imagine a world like that. Either it will work like clockwork, or will descend into chaos and fighting and rivalries soon after, considering how people just pick new issues to fight over after settling old ones.
As for Bugti’s killings, hmm, well now here’s a tribe of merry men who will never, ever be faithful to the great republic of Pakistan and its representative government again :p At this moment, though, we should all watch the classic STN play “Dasht”. Probably tells you more about Baloch realities than most newspaper articles ever will. And that too in an entertaining way, and with rubab songs!