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.
@KFS. I agree. This is “AllThnigsPakistani” blog and should remain so.
Lets keep things in perspective. Death of person Mohammed Akbar Khan of Bughti is direct result of the power play between government of Pakistan set in Islamabad and the mini state of Bughti set by the late Mr. Khan. The later was rightfuly taken out by the Pakistan government. In fact all mini states should be abolished no mater who sets it up and where they are located within the country. What surprises me is that all those who speak for democracy in Pakistan also faver the Lords and their fifdoms.
Arvind Singh jee,
You forgot Golden temple?????????
Haris, I am sorry if I used impolite or irritating words. I did not mean to. What I meant by ” mad mulla” was those extremists who pose as Islamists but the only credential they have is a beard. Again, I am sorry and apologize if I caused any offense.
Ma-assalama
Peace!
I dont think BLA has ever been involved in suicide bombing its more like an al qaeda thing, these BLA people are a bunch of cowards who will plant bombs blow away railway lines fire rockets they dont go the suicide option. There are a lot of conspiracy theories going on since Bugtis body is yet to come out. As far as equating Bangladesh with Balochistan is considered that aint happening. There is a whole bunch of reasons for that so please STOP comparing the situation with Bangladesh unless you have a very very good reason.