The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, addressed an event in Islamabad on Thursday, making significant statements about the late Nawab Akbar Bugti. He emphasized that considering Nawab Akbar Bugti a “martyr” is unjust to the Pakistan Army. He also highlighted the progress of development projects in the Balochistan.
In his speech, Bugti stressed that those who view Nawab Nawab Akbar Bugti as a “martyr” are being “unfair” to the Pakistan Army. He said that the Pakistani Army soldiers who died while fighting with Nawab Bugti were the real “martyrs”, not Nawab Bugti himself.
Talking about Balochistan’s history, the chief minister argued that many senior figures have claimed Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan was forced. He asserted that the princely states, including Lasbela, Makran, and Kharan, were distinct entities, and the narrative of forced accession is a “fabrication.” He referenced Khan of Kalat Khan Ahmed Yar Khan’s book, “Insight Balochistan,” which he said details the events surrounding the accession of Balochistan with Pakistan.
Quoting the official state narrative of Pakistan, the chief minister said that Muhammad Ali Jinnah personally met and negotiated with the Khan of Kalat, after which the Khan willingly agreed to the accession of Balochistan to Pakistan. He claimed that the Khan had weighed Jinnah in expensive jewels and diamonds, which he then gave to Jinnah as a gift. He argued that gifts of jewels and diamonds are given to those who willingly join, not to those who are coerced.
Addressing the impact of Nawab Akbar Bugti’s death, the chief minister acknowledged that Nawab Bugti was a significant figure whose death had considerable repercussions. However, he contested the notion of Nawab Bugti’s “martyrdom”, stating that in a conflict, only one side can claim “martyrdom”, and in his view, it is the soldiers of the Pakistan Army who are the true “martyrs.”
He concluded by claiming that Nawab Akbar Bugti, along with Balach Marri, established Balochistan’s first insurgent camp on June 21, 2002. He asserted that the ongoing conflict is rooted in historical narratives that do not align with the reality of Pakistan’s formation and development.