We are the political heirs of Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti. Our struggle will persist until his sacrifices bear fruit. The true heirs of the martyrs are not just their families, but the entire Baloch nation. It is hoped that those whom Shaheed Akbar Khan declared as his successors will honor the decision of this great leader.
These remarks were made by Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), during a program with party members on the anniversary of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. On the occasion of Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti’s martyrdom day, Chairman BNM spoke in detail about his life, personality, and ideals.
He stated that Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti was a political leader with deep knowledge and understanding of critical issues. As the head of the Balochistan National Alliance government—an alliance between the Jamhoori Watan Party and the Balochistan National Movement—he introduced the Balochi language at the primary school level to promote the education of the Baloch nation and the Balochi language. He also introduced a script that unified various dialects, allowing them to be written with consistent spelling.
“He was a history maker. During Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s rule, he accepted the governorship of Balochistan, a time when the Baloch nation faced military aggression, for which he was criticized. Though this remains a part of history, he later redeemed himself and removed that stain from his legacy. History records both the strengths and flaws of individuals, and we draw our conclusions from them. Similarly, Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti is recognized today as a national leader.”
He said that Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti had chosen a clear path. He was firmly demanding for Baloch national rights and control over Balochistan’s coast and resources. His political alliances with Shaheed Waja Ghulam Muhammad and Shaheed Balach Marri clearly showed where he stood. This is why the Pakistani state targeted him for elimination. He sought to negotiate for Baloch’s sovereignty over its coast and resources, but Pakistan was unwilling, and he refused to compromise on his demands. As a result, he chose the path of resistance and was ultimately martyred in Tratani.
He stated that the sacrifices of Baloch martyrs inspire us to continue our struggle. The sacrifice of Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti also galvanized the Baloch nation to rise up. We must follow the path he has shown us. If any of us, including his family, deviates from this path, it will not cast doubt on Shaheed Akbar Khan Bugti’s struggle, but rather on the individual who strays. Failing in this struggle or making mistakes is one thing that can be analyzed and criticized, but abandoning the struggle is tantamount to betraying the blood and sacrifices of our martyrs. We will not waver in our commitment to this cause.
The program, organized under the ‘Capacity Building’ initiative and led by BNM Vice Chairman Dr. Jalal, was moderated by BNM member Kahoor Baloch.