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.
He was one of the greatest assets this country ever had. His harshest critics and political opponents agree that he was one of the rare politicians, who being in different powerful offices,, never misused the authourity and his name was always clear of any curroption charges.
He was not perfect, no one is; but atleast he had all the right ingredients of a leader. And that is how great leaders come to a great ending, Standing Up To A Military Dicktator. Mr Bugti, your courage, intellect, straight forwardness and most of all your charism will be missed by many. Few achieve immortality in death.
Baluchistan- Naa Insafi Kaa Tadarak, An Article on a Burning issue of Pakistan
Dear Fellows
The latest Article of Mohammad Khalid Rana (President of Pakistan Thinker
Forum) is Published on Voice of People (www.VofP.pk ).You may click the following link
http://www.vofp.pk/cms/?p=1296
to read the Article An Article on a Burning issue of Pakistan
Baluchistan- Naa Insafi Kaa Tadarak
Regards
I had the honor of meeting him during my school days. Ever since, I became his fan. He had the vast knowledge of local, domestic & international affairs. In my opinion, he was Pakistan’s one of the most polished and well-educated leader. I think the country has really lost a great leader. I hope that International Court of Justice can look into his assassination and bring criminals to justice. May God bless his soul in Heavens. Amen!
Dear Pakistanis!
Nawab Akbar bugti remained Chief Minister and Governer of Baluchastan but why he had not do for their people better because these all sardars are not in favor of peoples. sardar and wadaras are not best for our next genatation. World has been entered into 21st centeury. so Get ready to complete those nation who are fast in field of research, development and discorvery.
MR:NAWAB AKBAR BUGTI SAHAB WAS A GREAT LEDAR AND HE WAS BRAVE JUST LIKE A LION.