Balochistan lawmakers want return of Khan of Kalat

Syed Ali Shah Published September 30, 2014

QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly on Tuesday adopted a unanimous resolution with regard to the respectable return of Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Daud Ahmedzai from abroad.

Members of treasury and opposition benches supported the resolution tabled by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) member Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran relating to the return of Khan of Kalat.

“A tribal jirga must be constituted to negotiate with Khan of Kalat for his return,” Sardar Khetran told the assembly while commenting on the resolution. He mentioned that the exiled-Baloch leader could play an important role in restoration of peace in Balochistan, plagued by violent attacks by Baloch separatists and banned sectarian outfits.

Khan of Kalat, Agha Suleman Dawood has been leading life in exile since the murder of elderly Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in August 2006.

Commenting on the resolution, Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that he was ready to play his role in bringing back Daud.

“I stand for peace and I will make all possible efforts for negotiated settlement of issues relating to the province,” Dr Baloch said. He stated that for a peaceful solution of Balochistan issue, it was decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to pave the way for dialogue. “I knocked every door whenever I see any hope", he added.

Apart from Khan of Kalat, the chief minister said efforts should also be made to bring other exiled-Baloch leaders in the national mainstream.

Mufti Gulab and Maulvi Maazullah of JUI-F also endorsed the resolution and called for political unity to bring back the exiled-Baloch leaders for an amicable restoration of peace in the province.

The house then unanimously passed the resolution after Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, who was chairing the session, put it up for voting.

Pakistan

Syed Ali Shah is DawnNews' Quetta bureau chief.

He tweets @alishahjourno

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mir ahmad jan

Sep 30, 2014 07:20pm

I shall appreciate all efforts for return of all baloch leaders

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Blithe

Sep 30, 2014 07:24pm

Good move

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Ali Baloch

Sep 30, 2014 07:46pm

If he comes back any respect he has garnered will vanquish, stay there and do what you're supposed to do.

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Sayyar Khan

Sep 30, 2014 07:47pm

Baluchis have been treated badly for a very long time and its been made worse by wanna be leaders like Musharaf.

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Abrar

Sep 30, 2014 07:57pm

The Sardars are a curse for modern day Balochs. There is no room for absolute monarchies in the 21st century.

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raisan

Sep 30, 2014 07:57pm

why--- rather than bringing him back built a better hospital or a facility that benefits common folks trust me he is neither starving not hurting

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Jalbani Baloch

Sep 30, 2014 08:04pm

Baloch leaders are living a life of self-exile and they are free to come to Pakistan any time, so I don't think if there is any need for negotiated settlement for their return to their own country. Similarly, there are many other leaders, for instance, Mr. Altaf Hussain, who have chosen to live self-exile in order to abstain from their arrests and accountability for their wrongdoings. It is the free will of Mr. Suleiman Daud, whether he wishes to return to his home country or continues to enjoy a carefree life in a foreign country. The poor people of Pakistan are unnecessarily worried about their return and as for the return of the peace is concerned, the security agencies of Pakistan have full authority to deal with intruders fighting a war against their own people on the funding from anti Pakistan countries.

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Ali Baloch

Sep 30, 2014 08:36pm

@Jalbani Baloch first off compared to the Balochs living in Sindh our tribal system is far more diverse and chieftains far more responsible, secondly when you don't knw the ground realities please kindly refrain from making useless comments.

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A. Mirza

Sep 30, 2014 08:50pm

They are all criminals living like kings abroad. They have done nothing for the betterment of this nation. Please have no sympathy for them...I know them well.

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manene

Sep 30, 2014 08:59pm

Mr Daud is enjoying his life in exile. let him stay there, Balochistan is doing good under Dr Malik.

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Ali Baloch

Sep 30, 2014 09:07pm

@A. Mirza And what crime has Khan Suleiman committed? you don't know anything, he lived like a king in Balochistan not Cardiff UK, where he is currently situated.

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Joe

Sep 30, 2014 09:27pm

Political leaders but no terrorists please. There is no place for those who want to use language of violence.

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Sep 30, 2014 09:31pm

I think this should be done. We need to move forward as a nation. Nawab Bugtis assassination at that time was a big sore point for the whole nation. A man often seen in photos with Quaid e Azam, who fought for Pakistan, how could he have become a traitor ? I suspect some rogue elements in national security set up, who had a case against him for political reasons. In my personal opinion, I feel it is absolutely right that Balochistan should get the greatest share of wealth from any natural resources, from which the whole country benefits. The first right to develop the areas and local economy is theirs. Punjab wants to control everything, have all the money and rule everyone else - this is not on. Not for the sake of Pakistans future.

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A. Mirza

Sep 30, 2014 09:56pm

@Ali Baloch - What have any of these Baloch leaders done for Baluchistan. Driving fancy cars in Karachi, with guards possessing illegal weapons, wearing designer clothes while their own people have nothing to eat...what are you talking about my friend? Please have mercy on the Baloch people and stop putting these guys on a pedestal to worship!

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M. Mushtaq Ahmed

Sep 30, 2014 10:52pm

@Oz all wealth of Pakistan belongs to people of Pakistan period. Every Pakistani has full rights to live, make a living and raise their family in any part of the country. Don't you see all people of different athnicity are living in different parts of the country regardless of where they were born. Live for united Pakistan and not to create discourse. We need education to compete in this world and not go backward.

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Ali Baloch

Sep 30, 2014 11:22pm

@A. Mirza why don't you ask the people of Kalat what Khan Suleiman has done and ten ask the government what their laadla sardars like Jam of Lasbela and Zehri have done, all of whom came into power by siding with the government.

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Ganga Din

Oct 01, 2014 01:07am

@Ali Baloch: If he has not committed any crime then there is no reason to go through various motions to "bring him back". He can come back if he wants to or stay in Cardiff.

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Sam Watkins

Oct 01, 2014 01:26am

Baloch Serdari system is the worst enemy of poor Balochs. They have done nothing for the common men in Balochistaon. While their spoiled brats roam around on defense and Clifton streets with their loaded body guards. Sooner we get rid of them, better off this country will be. Same goes for Sindi Waderas.

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Malik

Oct 01, 2014 01:45am

i heard him on TV one time. He criticized almost every government of Pakistan. This gentleman lives in past, in the past glory, reminescing his inheritance. Did he have any profession of any sort. We may criticize Villabhai Patel, but he got rid of such omnious characters from India for good. Did someone abdicate him? Was he sent to asylum by any governmental action? Absolutely not. He chose to live abroad. Apparently he does not work, and enjoys expensive living. So somehow he has hoarded lots of money. Let him stay there. We had enough of him already.

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masood

Oct 01, 2014 01:46am

I do not know who is khan of Kalat, but I do know that all these tribal leaders ruled their tribes cruelly and they did nothing for the betterment of people since inception of Pakistan. It is better for Khan sahib to stay away from Balochistan. May God save people of Pakistan from these Sardar, Khan, Leaders, Wadera and Chaudhary.

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Sarwat

Oct 01, 2014 01:46am

What, why, you want another terrorist added to the mix. How many people have to lose their lives to get rid of him again.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Oct 01, 2014 01:57am

Who is he? Did Agha Suleman Dawood study in Government Special High School, Quetta during 1957-60 when I was there and passed Matric in 1960? I do not remember the name of my class fellow except that he was someone from Kalat ruling family if not Prince of Kalat. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com

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Irshad Khan

Oct 01, 2014 03:43am

I went to school with Agha Suleman Dawood's father Agha Doud Jan in Kalat. I remember Kalat state was a well managed and prosperous state where every one lived in peace with no crimes or corruption. I like to see a separate Kalat state again with Agha Suleman Dawood as Khan of Kalat.

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A. Mirza

Oct 01, 2014 03:54am

@Ali Baloch - just read all the comments on this article you will see that Pakistanis all across have rejected tribal leaders, feudal lords, Sardars etc. We hate this system where these leaders believe that Pakistan owes them something whereas they have done nothing for this great nation. I respect your opinion but the future belongs to the literate, hard working middle class.

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Ali Baloch

Oct 01, 2014 05:25am

@Sarwat and what makes him a terrorist? mind your tongue before making useless comments.

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Ali Baloch

Oct 01, 2014 05:28am

@masood you d not know who he is where he is from but you assumed the worst of him. Pakistani logic or lack there of never ceases to amaze me. He is the ruler of all Baloch tribes and every Baloch man, woman in child in any part of the world. He expects nothing from us and helps us in any way he can, he is far better than any of your so called politicians and rulers.

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Ali Baloch

Oct 01, 2014 05:29am

@Sam Watkins not every one from the interior is a sardar or wadera lol. Majority of these so called waders have just 500 acres of land and make tall claims. A person of noble blood is known by his actions or rather in action n this matter.

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Ali Baloch

Oct 01, 2014 05:34am

@Malik how did you have enough of him? and why do you have a problem with his wealth? he is not a politician now a bureaucrat so you couldn't scream corruption to make a point so in your own words "he some how hoarded lots of money". He is the King of all Baloch tribes and he can live as lavishly as he wants to but he lives in a modest home in Cardiff. I know so because I have visited him numerous times and he is indeed a gentleman.

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inayat ullah

Oct 01, 2014 09:51am

I endorse balochistan assembly resolution which constitute grand Jirga return of khan kalat with dignity and respect I hope khan kalat play positive rule to bring peace and stability if khan successful find out a way to bring in peace it is great success of khan baloch never forget at

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Key Points

Oct 01, 2014 11:02am

All should support democracy. Leaders should be in power only to serve the people as servants.

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