Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti, son of slain Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, has rejected the legitimacy of the title “Chief of Bugti,” stating that no such position exists under the Bugti tribe’s current and historically valid tribal structure.
In a statement, Jamil Akbar Bugti said that during his lifetime, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti had abolished all sub-chief positions within the Bugti tribe and retained only the wadera system as part of tribal governance. He said the existence of titles such as Chief of Kalpar and Chief of Masuri was linked to wartime conditions in the past, when alternative leadership arrangements were created to ensure continuity if a Nawab or Sardar was killed or incapacitated.
He explained that these positions were temporary in nature and were formally abolished between 2003 and 2004. According to him, the Bugti tribe historically consisted of six major sub-branches, including Masuri, Kalpar, Shambani, Perozani and Chandrazai, each of which once had its own chief, but all such titles were cancelled by Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.
Jamil Akbar Bugti stressed that the wadera system is the only remaining recognised structure within the tribe and said it must be clearly understood that there is no constitutional, traditional or tribal basis for the title “Chief of Bugti.” He said attempts to revive abolished titles amount to a distortion of Bugti history and tribal reforms introduced by his father.
His statement follows a recent turban-tying ceremony held in Dera Bugti, where Mir Sarfraz Bugti was declared “Chief of Bugti” by organisers. The event was widely reported in local media and presented as a formal recognition of tribal leadership, prompting debate within the Bugti family and among members of the tribe.
Responding to these developments, Jamil Akbar Bugti said the ceremony had triggered his clarification because it created the impression that a historically valid tribal office was being revived. He argued that such portrayals mislead the public and overlook the decisions taken by Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti to dismantle the sub-chief system more than two decades ago.
Jamil Akbar Bugti alleged that the position assumed through the ceremony was, in fact, the wadera role of the Masuri sub-branch, which he said rightfully belonged to one of his cousins. He claimed the rightful claimant was sidelined and described the move as contrary to Bugti traditions, tribal values and long-established customs.
He termed the development regrettable and said it set a troubling precedent for the tribe. According to Jamil Akbar Bugti, misrepresenting abolished tribal titles not only undermines internal tribal order but also disrespects the legacy and decisions of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, whose reforms, he said, were aimed at modernising and stabilising tribal governance.