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.
Hi, Aslam alakum
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugty was not a Leader of Balochistan. He was a great leader of Pakistan but establishment ki ghalat palisio ki wajha say itna bada Sanha hoa Allah Nawab Sahib ki Maghfarat Karay Ameen From Hub Chowky, Balochistan
Political issues should be resolved through dialogue. No way taking arms and challenging state authority. Tragic..a stubborn mercurial man..but even Bhutto did not kill the Sardars in the 1970
To me killing someone is not a right way, but its a happy day for me that this useless man is no more.
Neglecting a province of pakistan by “center establisment” does not mean you take up arms. Or does not mean that you start bombing the heck out of gas pipelines in retaliations. For god sake, stop supporting these useless politicians. Who have not done anything for Pakistan. A politician should be a public servant not a god.
What government did was proper becasue no citizen of pakistan should be allowed to play with national interests. I was in karachi a few year back, pulled over to a CNG station and it said due to gas pineline bombing there is shortage of gas, i was like what the…..
aslam o alikum for all
mujhay nawab akbar bugti k interview or articals urdu edition main chahay,,
thanks
Muneer Ahmad Mirza
Baiochistan is also a province of pakistan but it is totally neglected since independence.nawab akbar bugti was a great leader who wanted to get the rights of balochistan but was killed because of.