A seminar was held in the provincial capital Quetta to celebrate the literary services of Professor Aziz Bugti – a renowned intellectual who authored multiple books. A professor of political science at the University of Balochistan, Bugti had also served as the secretary under Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in 1988, who was then the chief minister of Balochistan. Professor Bugti breathed his last due to a protracted illness in Quetta in May this year.
According to the details, the seminar was organized by the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC), a student-run organization that campaigns for students’ rights in Balochistan. Hundreds of individuals, including academics and teachers, students and the literati from the general population participated in the seminar to pay their tributes to Aziz Bugti.
Several speakers, including Prof. Manzoor Baloch, Prof. Hamid Baloch, Prof. Mumtaz Baloch, Yar Jan Baloch and Advocate Imran Baloch addressed the gathering and commended the “unparalleled services” of Aziz Bugti in Baloch literature. Zabrain Bugti, Professor Bugti’s son, also spoke at the seminar to honour the services of his late father. A documentary detailing the life of Professor Bugti was aired in the seminar and a bookstall was also arranged.
A panel discussion was organized among several academics and intellectuals to address the life and character of Professor Aziz Bugti. The panellists said that before Professor Bugti, non-native writers were penning books and articles on Baloch history and society, and credible Baloch writers were rare. Professor Aziz Bugti buttressed the Baloch literature at a critical juncture – he introduced short story writing in the Baloch literature and wrote prodigiously on the Baloch history and societal norms, they said.
The organizers of the event said that the Baloch Students Action Committee is a “progressive” student organization that will continue to hold such literary programs to highlight the services of Baloch intellectuals, authors and academics. “Their thoughts, ideas and literary works are invaluable – we believe it is our national responsibility to guard and preserve these treasures.”