September 11, 2006	Monday	Sha'aban 17, 1427

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QUETTA, Sept 10: Tehrik-i-Istaqlal Pakistan chairman Rehmatullah Vardag has criticised the government for not handing over the body of former Balochistan governor Nawab Akbar Bugti to his family for burial and demanded that a DNA test should be conducted by an independent board of doctors as demanded by the late leader’s sons.

Speaking at a press conference here after offering Fateha for the departed soul, he said he had written a letter to President Pervez Musharraf requesting him to accept the demand of Nawab Bugti’s family for the test and hand over the body for his honourable burial.

“The family and people will not be satisfied unless the issue is resolved,” he said.

He said he had also earlier offered to mediate between the government and Nawab Akbar Bugti.

Mr Vardag paid tribute to Nawab Bugti, saying that he was struggling for the rights of the people of Balochistan.

He said Pakistan should be divided into 12 units and the provinces should be awarded maximum autonomy.

He accused the opposition parties of using Nawab Bugti’s death for political gain.