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.
Corpse Vouyers, the body will be found soon. Then you guys can start discussing some other angle of this operation.
Adam, let me answer for Bhaila. Acoording to marri, the cave is 120 feet long with rooms on the sides. Maybe he hasn’t been found because he was hiding in the back of the cave while mindless tribals tried to protect him. Secondly, He is only one head of the monster that besieges Pakistan. He has friends and family and they will be dealt with soon insha’allah.
Saifulmaluk, what the papers said about mujib was true. He was a separatist and resorted to terrorist methods against the government. And all of this, years before he won the national elections. Had East Bengal been contiguous to the rest of Pakistan, it would never have been able to separate. The setup was un-natural and it is sad that many Pakistanis lost lives defending that federation. But I do think we are better off without the Bengalis. The situation today is different. Don’t worry, all these disturbances will be over within a month.
Dear Mr. Khan
Your first question I cant completly answer since I am not in anyway associated with ISPR. ISPR statements are printed in newspapers and are online I dont expect newspapers to print their own stories Stories have to come from some source in this case ISPR. Thuraya phones were also found Dont tell me thats wrong too. As you might have read from the newspapers there is still a lot of speculation around regarding the body. Some claim that the body is in isb some claim its still there underneath the rubble. About money everyone knows that you cant buy ammunition without money you cant pay militants without money money has to be there even if the amount is not the same as ISPR has stated You dont expect a sardar to live in a cave without money or ammunition Do you?
I never said Bugti was solely responsible. Do you think its all over ofcourse there is going to be a reaction BLA is just not Bugti it also has members from other renegade tribes they will react and this is the path they have chosen. Do you think its the govt that blows up pipelines fires rocket
As far as reading newspapers is concerned I read most of them. Hope this answers your questions.
Thanks
Many political quarters are against Musharraf for various reasons. Some of us are also against Musharraf but he is the only President to have the balls to take the action against the wrong. Pak’s west is wild and no one has tried to win it.
All violent acts against the State should be dealt with. All these politicians who are talking now, did not pursuade Bugti to not interrupt govt violantly. Bugti is responsible for blowing up infra-structure and killing his own Army men.
I think many such figures needs to be rounded up and dealt with. It is better if they are captured and tried.
Our LEHAZ DARI (sentiments) are mostly baseless!
Two questions, Mr. Bhaila.
1.If the security people could confirm the death of Bugti and also find money bags full of dollars in the caves why can’t they find Bugti’s body?
2. If Bugti was solely responsible for all the mayhem in Balochistan then who is responsible now that he is dead?
You might find answers to these questions if you read the country’s newspapers instead of just listening to or reading ISPR’s statements.
I have been reading all your comments and wondering what to accept and what not. But if the late bugti was thriving for balochistan rights then why are bombs rocking in Hub isnt hub a part of balochistan and these bombs today killed 3 people arent those people from balochistan who is capable of doing this the state of pakistan or its the BLA reaction kill your own people. Lahore too had an explosion I wouldnt be surprised if BLA was involved another reaction but if these people are working for more autonomy they would never kill their own people and in case if anybody has heard the press conference by ISPR: Rs 100 million and $96,000 were found in the rubble doesnt this raise an eyebrow at all this province is the most deprived lacks basic amenities then where in the WORLD did so much money come from all. Where balochis were not getting basic facilities he managed to have this much amount of money. All I can say that the late nawab was running his personal agenda and was heavily financed through foreign powers and/or the royalties I would have hoped that the army would have caught him alive and tried him under the laws.