Veteran Baloch nationalist Dr Hakeem Lehri, a close political associate of Sardar Ataullah Mengal who spent decades advocating Baloch national rights and political autonomy, died in Karachi on Wednesday evening after a prolonged illness.
Lehri was involved in nationalist politics as it emerged as a major political force in Balochistan, maintaining longstanding ties with political leaders and activists.
He spoke on the Baloch struggle for independence and frequently recounted political developments he had witnessed or participated in, including nationalist struggles in the 1970s and differences among Baloch leaders.
‘A Major Loss’
The Balochistan National Party (BNP), National Party and National Democratic Party (NDP) expressed grief in separate statements and described Lehri’s death as a “major loss” to Baloch national politics, the national struggle and the political and intellectual movement.
The parties described him as a “principled, ideological, sincere, consistent and intellectually strong” leader who devoted his life to Baloch national rights, identity and political awareness, maintaining his convictions through political upheavals and difficult circumstances.
His affiliations and methods changed over the years, they said, but Baloch political rights, national dignity and identity remained central to his politics. They credited him with “keeping the national question alive” and connecting younger generations with Baloch history and the political struggle.
The statements also highlighted his advocacy of progressive thought, human freedom, social justice and the rights of oppressed nations. His decades of struggle constituted a “valuable political and intellectual legacy”, the parties said, adding that carrying forward his ideas and principled politics would be the best way to honour his contribution.
National Party chief Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said Lehri had maintained his political commitment even under the most difficult circumstances.
“He regarded politics as a means of public service, national rights and democratic values rather than personal gain,” Malik said, adding that Lehri had upheld that principle until his death.
Baloch nationalist leader Javed Mengal described Lehri as “an important and longstanding figure in Balochistan’s political struggle”, saying he had played a role through several significant periods of its politics. He offered prayers for Lehri and condolences to his family and all those mourning his death.
BNP leader Sana Baloch described Lehri as a “brave, courageous and history-making” figure and recalled his association with Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo and Sardar Ataullah Mengal, alongside a life marked by hardship, imprisonment and political resistance.
“A man who spoke the truth and remained steadfast until his final moment has bid farewell to Balochistan,” Sana wrote on social media.