On August 26th, the National Democratic Party held a program in the Quetta Press Club to commemorate the “martyrdom anniversary” of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, a revolutionary Baloch leader, who was killed in 2006 by the Pakistani military in Kohlu. On social media, activists, writers and politicians also paid their tributes to the slain revolutionary and recounted his momentous role in the Baloch movement.
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was the chieftain of the Bugti tribe of Balochistan who served as the governor and chief minister of Balochistan. Over time, differences grew between the Pakistani government and Nawab Akbar Bugti, and after a gruesome incident in 2005 where a doctor was raped by the soldiers of the Pakistani army in Sui, armed tribesmen loyal to Nawab Bugti resorted to armed violence against the Pakistani state. After multiple attempts on his life, Nawab Bugti was eventually killed by the then dictator Parvez Musharraf in 2006 in Kohlu.
On Thursday, the National Democratic Party held a program to mark the 15th death anniversary of Nawab Bugti in Quetta. Manzoor Baloch, Dr Deen Muhammad Buzdar, Afrasiyab Khattak and Rasool Baksh Baloch addressed the gathering. Veteran activist Mama Qadeer Baloch and several others were in the presence.
The program began by observing a two-minute silence for Nawab Akbar Bugti and then the participants prayed for the wellbeing and convalescence of Sardar Attaullah Mengal, another eminent Baloch leader, who is currently going through a serious illness.
A documentary was also presented in the gathering, which briefly summarized the life of Nawab Bugti and his contribution to the Baloch cause.
Addressing the gathering, Rasool Baksh Baloch said that the “martyrdom” of Nawab Akbar Bugti is considered a dark chapter in Baloch history. He paid his tributes to the legendary Baloch leader and appealed to the Pakistani government to apprehend the Nawab Bugti’s murderers, who are currently living abroad.
Dr Deen Muhammad Buzdar recounted the ups and downs of Nawab Bugti’s personal and political life. He said that Bugti came into power many times, but he never intended to make a fortune for himself. Instead, he served the people. Nawab Bugti stood against injustice and eventually resorted to guerrilla warfare against the Pakistani state. He said that Bugti was initially open to negotiations, but when the state did not budge from its intransigent demands, he understood that they want to take his life. In the end, he had to go to the mountains to carry out the resistance.
Speaking at the occasion, Pashtun leader Afrasiyab Khattak homage to Nawab Bugti and said that the Baloch and the Pashtun equally share the pain of Nawab Bugti’s “martyrdom.” Khattak recounted his days among the ranks of Baloch revolutionaries and the time he spent in jail for supporting the Baloch cause.
He said that Nawab Bugti never abandoned Balochistan, and his unwavering commitment and determination eventually resulted in his “martyrdom.” Fifteen years after his death, the Balochistan issue still awaits a political solution. Khattak said that Bugti set up an example – he taught us that when it comes to sacrificing our lives in the way of truth, we must not back off.
Dr Manzoor Baloch, a renowned Baloch author, said that Nawab Bugti was “martyred” and his dead body was locked up in a coffin, which is a clear sign of a frightened foe. He said that Bugti’s murderer – Parvez Musharraf – is dying a slow death somewhere, whereas Nawab Bugti still lives with full vigour in everyone’s heart.
Rasheed Kareem Baloch, the organizer of the National Democratic Party, said that the Nawab Bugti negotiated with the Pakistani state for over a year, but to no avail. But then he resorted to armed resistance and never looked back.
“Nawab Bugti gave a clear message to the Baloch youth to follow his footsteps and play their part in this war for survival”, he said.
Admirers also took to social media to remember the late revolutionary leader. PTM leader Mohsin Dawar paid his tributes to Nawab Bugti in a tweet, saying: “Remembering Nawab Akbar Bugti Shaheed today on the 15th anniversary of his martyrdom. His killer, who is also the killer of thousands of Baloch and Pashtuns, General Musharaf
remains an absconder. The dictator will hopefully face justice some day for the crimes he has committed.”
Ex-Senator Farhatullah Babar wrote: “On the 15th martyrdom anniversary today of Nawab Akbar Bugti let us not forget: The Nawab valiantly stood by the side of the lady doctor and General Musharraf by the side of the alleged rapist. That took their fight to new heights. Finally Nawab was murdered, but he triumphed.”
Sher Muhammad Bugti, the spokesperson for the Baloch Republican Party, tweeted: “Today is 15th martyrdom anniversary Great Baloch nation leader Shaheed Nawab Akbar Bugti, your action inspire thousand of People you are the mark of courage and true leadership.”