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.
A fair look of history of Paksitan we can see all shamefull actions were taken by the Military rulers. One obvoius reason is the education. Until 80’s the top military brass had only the metriculation level and then were graduated by military college which under no circustances designed to develop philosopher, thinker, scientests, educationalists, doctors and economists.
They all had very narrow spectrum and very focused training. They lack the vision for future of the county’s education, development,economuc growth etc.
I is very unfortunate that they were given ultimate authorty to rule and make decision with their limited minset and education. They have not trained to have brain storming, cosultation and view share the knowledge with so called “bloody civlians” The disasterous decision they made. inclued: Indus basin traety and exchange three rivers of Punjab for just one Karor rupees to build Terbela dame to meet the water requirment of Punjab.
A very expansive project of moving the capitol to the junction of Punjab and NWFP to give more control to People of NWFP and Punjab, to get rid of dominance of Bengalis and new Immigrants. Bengalis knew the intensions and that is why they opposed the this move.
Introduction of Industrial corruption by Ayob Khan, by letting General Motors USA, sold to his brother in law and let his son Gohar leave military and become the shareholder of new Gandhara Motors, opened an era of industrial and trade corruption
Intrigue of ayob Khan not to hand over power to people, rather Yahaya to impose Matial law, Military action in East Pakistan, Then Zia’s usage of Islam to protect his ilegal actions and use of Islam and Quarn to lying. Dismissal of prime minister without reason. Decision to fight US proxy war against USSR. for which are paying heavy price.
And now what you can see the what militery rulers are doing.
Problem is that Pakistan Army people thinks that their training School in Kakool is the best in the world (as Musharaf mentioned in his book) and only create genius for all aspect of life. Anybody from any world class university, is simply a ” bloody civilian”
Nawab Sahibs sad demise is another reminder of the fact that the mindset of amry people’s for “bloody civilians” is entering in serious zone which will destroy the entire country.
May be is the time for Baluchis and Sindhis to rise and work for Independence as we are not part of this ruling mafia.
Picture is differant in Punjab as great portion of population is associated with Militry incoporated, directly or indirectly. and Pushtoon has greater share in the government and in military Inc, yet like to remain on bargain side to extract more.
Now who is paying the price? Militry inc. is trying to buy souls in Sindh and Baluchistan, but how long. Geogpaghically we stands at a very resoucefull area, yet have no hope in horison to see any relief for our people living below poverty line.
Nawab Sahib alway faught against military ruler and Mullahs as they are the stron supporter of Militry Inc. as they role remained historicaly.
They killed Bhutto, our brothers in Sind have not forgotten nor will ever forget. I understand their hate!
Now they kill Bughti. You don’t need a crystal ball to see the future.
A “Mad General” with deep inner complexes is ruling the country. God help us!
Sardar Nawab Mir Sir Akbar Khan Bugti was a great leader of his nation and we loved him very much because he not our sardar but also our Nation father and sons dont hate to his father. We will give our blood for him atleast when we Die.
INSHALLAH
Baloch Zindabad
I think this is a very big loss for pakistan. We had a very bad day when Mr. Bugti died in firing by our Pak force. This situation is a bad luck for us and our country when they flop to solve of our public problems. There is no such example in our history and in the world history . He was vwry brave and lover of his country. I was very upset and very dishesrtened by this situtaion . May God rest him in peace in his next life amen
i think its abt time that we strip off ties
with all other useless politicians like him!
im not saying just because he made havoc for my family…im saying because all he use to do was
to blame others where the only person one could
blame for thier backwardness is him self!