Khan of Kalat turns down govt’s request to end his exile

E-Paper | March 02, 2026

KARACHI: A high-level delegation of Balochistan government ministers and notables, which met the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmed Suleman Daud Khan, in London has failed to persuade him to end his self-imposed exile and return to Pakistan.

The delegation, comprising Nawab Mohammed Khan Shahwani, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, Mir Kabir Mohammadshahi and Mir Khalid Lango and others, was sent by the provincial government with the mandate to request Mir Suleman Khan to return to the country and play his role in ending the ongoing insurgency and for the development of Balochistan.

A statement issued by the Khan of Kalat in London, and emailed to Dawn, said that according to the Balochi custom the delegation reported the situation in the insurgency-stricken Balochistan. They told the Khan that “the political, security, and economical conditions in Balochistan have gone from bad to worse”, and that “there is no end to violence” there. According to the statement, the delegation further said “there is a power vacuum in Balochistan”, and there is a risk of tribal and communal conflicts” in addition to the ongoing insurgency. At the same time, the delegation requested the Khan to return to Balochistan to play his role in improving the situation in the province.

A statement issued by the Khan describes Balochistan as ‘my country’ and says ‘I can return whenever I want’

The Khan of Kalat has been living in self-exile in London since 2007. He had left the country when a grand Balochi Jirga of tribal nawabs, sardars and other notables, held in Kalat after the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, in 2006, asked him to leave the country, and “struggle for the rights of Balochistan and its people” from abroad.

The London statement, giving some details of the interaction, said the delegation appealed to the Khan to return to Balochistan. The Khan described Balochistan as “my country, and I can return whenever I want”. However, as per the statement, the Khan said he was “sent (to London) by the Grand Balochi Jirga to seek justice for the Baloch nation and (to) internationalise the Baloch cause, which I have been doing with quite a success”.

According to the statement, the Khan of Kalat told the delegates that they were the governing part in Balochistan and since they had the authority to take corrective measures, they should stop, what he called, “kill and dump of Baloch youth and intellectuals, and bring the Baloch missing persons wherever they are in detention”. He further stated that if these people have committed any crimes, they should be tried by the court of law. According to him, the federal government and the security establishment “are not in a conflict resolution mode in Baloch”. Otherwise, he said, “The state should stop atrocities against the Baloch without any pre-condition”.

Lately there had been lot of speculations whether or not the Khan of Kalat would at all meet the delegation sent by the Balochistan government. Finally the meeting did take place last week. But interestingly, the statement issued in London quoted the Khan of Kalat as having told the delegation, “I met you as fellow Baloch tribal chiefs and notable according to the Baloch custom, but not as ministers”.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2015

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just_saying

Jul 21, 2015 07:06am

Common ppl of Baluchistan are living in stone age and so called Sardars and Khans in Europe ......

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I'M ALWAYS RIGHT

Jul 21, 2015 07:17am

Why would anyone abandon a life of comfort in London to come back to Balochistan?

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Syed Ali

Jul 21, 2015 07:18am

Problem in Baluchistan is not going to be solved by feudal; Khans decision was correct. Dialogue has to be with younger generation.

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Ghazanfar Sanpal

Jul 21, 2015 07:19am

Dear Federal Govt, Military: Is there any doubt that these Khans, Sardars, Nawabs, and other so called notables are prime reason for poverty and ignorance in Baluchistan. Ignore these waderas and uplift common man and woman in Baluchistan. Never let these thugs come back and subjugate common folks.Whole Baluchistan population (7.9 million) is a bit more than Lahore (5.1 million). Its manageable and doable.

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Ahsan

Jul 21, 2015 07:25am

Freaking drama, fooling their own people with false notion of nationalism based on false narrative of victim-hood.

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John

Jul 21, 2015 07:36am

Sardars are irrelevant in the 21st century! They are just pawns!

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Hope

Jul 21, 2015 08:03am

He proved he cares not for Baloch people but only for his status. I hope he and so called sardars shun ignorance and be part of the solution. Baloch are patriotic Pakistani's they deserve respect, provide them basic necessities now federal government.

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Real Balauch

Jul 21, 2015 08:10am

You sir carry on with your European life, while balauch's suffer in the fire started by you.

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Akil Akhtar

Jul 21, 2015 08:24am

Stupid idea to go to him....it is time for people to run their state not these khans and sardars. Our govt is also living in the past....days of the sardars is coming to an end. He will continue the propaganda against Pakistan and its establishment for his agenda and ignore the the insurgents.

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SALIM KHAN

Jul 21, 2015 08:32am

He probably wants to return as the PM of Balochistan. That way he is assured of a comfortable life that he now enjoys.

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Pakistani

Jul 21, 2015 08:33am

Why do Pakistan even care for these nawabs and khans. Develop balochistan with these self made nawabs and sardars. They want people of balochistan to live under their feet. A lot of balochis gave up arms and want to live peacefully but these so called sardars and nawabs don't want them.

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shafiq uk

Jul 21, 2015 08:40am

With time his importance will melt away . If balouchs get education no one will remember these asylum seekers leaders for long.

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Kamal Pasha

Jul 21, 2015 08:45am

All these tribal leaders oh Baluchistan are misleading the youngsters and creating problems for their own people and they themselves are living a very comfortable lives.

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Munir Ahmad ch

Jul 21, 2015 08:50am

All the miseries of baloch people are only due to these corrupt and Ill mannered nawabs and tribal leaders.all the federal governments have given huge funds to these nawabs to utilise for the prosperity of baloch people but they use the money for their own prosperity only.

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Naveed Ahmed

Jul 21, 2015 08:54am

It's time to extricate disillusioned and beguiled Balochi people from the clutches Sardars, Jagirdars, Nawabs who have exploited them.They are living a life of great pomp and show and aggrandising their personal wealth leaving poor Balochis at the mercy of miserable conditions.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jul 21, 2015 08:56am

What will it take to bring the Khan of Kalat to Pakistan. He can restore the peace. Negotiate with the man, please.

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TechnoKraft

Jul 21, 2015 08:58am

Poor decision by Khan. Pakistan gave him a golden opportunity. Now he can stay in his egoistic world of dreams and see Balochistan advance

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SMI

Jul 21, 2015 09:42am

Violence effected people want to migrate from mayanmar no one accepting them in thier countries. But leaders like him and Altaf are living luxurious life in UK!! People are suffering in Balouchistan and Karachi if these leaders want to struggle comeback and stand with thier people to fight for thier rights. People should ignore such leaders who are working on some agendas and work together for better future of our beloved country Regards

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Citizen

Jul 21, 2015 09:57am

@Ghazanfar Sanpal

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Sohail

Jul 21, 2015 10:10am

Ditch those Khans, Nawabs, Sardars and bring common people to power.

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Bloch

Jul 21, 2015 10:40am

What a joke! People like "Khan" of Kalat who has no roots among Bloch people is given importance instead of real issues such as economic recovery, education and security. Khan of Kalat is missing in action and he never done anything for us. Leave him alone.

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Saaer N

Jul 21, 2015 11:04am

I think, the govt should try resolving on-going situation risen in the area with more better efforts so that the people in the area might live a happy life. It might be possible by keeping contact with these people, claiming control over the area. In other words, If we skip this then the situation might get worsen.

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syed wasim haider@hotmail.com

Jul 21, 2015 11:09am

Enpower the common man by giving them a piece of land to build their own houses; give then funds to raise their sheeps etc., give them fishing boats, encourage them to build small poultry farms, provide them with water for irrigation by making a canal from river Indus or buy big tankers to bring water thru sea. Open more Technical Institutes, health care Centers and so on. Let the common man get out of the crutches of Feudal Lords. Dr. Malik can still manage the things. Recommendations of Raza Rabbani Commision must be implemented.

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Jashan Gill

Jul 21, 2015 11:18am

I see lot of statements where the common folk have been made to believe that all problems in Baluchistan are due to Sardars and it is due to them that Baluchistan is backward. How naive. The truth is that Pak state has failed to do any development in Baluchistan from the view point of the people. Rather the development is been done like British used to do in India. British developed railways to facilitate their trade and troop movement, similarly the Pak makes roads for same purpose. British developed ports to facilitate trade. Similarly Gwadar is being built with few locals employed. British exploited raw material like Cotton for it's home industry , similarly Gas, Copper are being developed to develop Punjab, the British gave token local govt, similarly there is a so called elected assembly with 3% voting with real power with FC. These Sardars are local leaders and you are acting in same way British thought of Indian leaders & had a price to pay. Wake up before it's too late.

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kamal

Jul 21, 2015 11:18am

Pakistan cannot be broken again. All insurgencies should be crushed. HOWEVER, there is a Just and Fair demand of the Baluchis and of Sindh - complete control sovereignty over the economic wealth by the Provinces and the people residing therein. That is paramount. For too long the 'Centre' (Punjab??) has asserted economic control over the smaller Provinces. So this is a precondition for a peaceful and integral Pakistan, otherwise unending chaos.

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Khalid

Jul 21, 2015 11:19am

India "ended feudalism in the 70's" Why on earth is Pakistan still allowing these so called "feudals" to have a place in a society with such titles and patronage? These feudals are keeping the Pakistan "backwards"

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Khalid

Jul 21, 2015 11:20am

"His country?" which "age is these feudal monolith living in?" Pakistan is "every citizens country!

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apoorva

Jul 21, 2015 11:22am

Please dont come back as your life may be under threat

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Amir

Jul 21, 2015 11:33am

these nawabs and khans are the major problem for bolochistan. leave him outside the country.

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zak

Jul 21, 2015 11:39am

The arrogance of this man, it was the people of Kalat who voted to stay in Pakistan, while the old Khan was negotiating his monetary package with the government of Pakistan. Feudalism is oppression. One man cannot decide for the people, the people decide for the people.

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Tariq

Jul 21, 2015 11:41am

These thugs who are enjoying hospitality of foreign countries agencies. Pakistan's should concentrate honestly in Baluchistan and uplift its economy and assure common baloch's that these thugs don't matter them.

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James

Jul 21, 2015 11:47am

@Saeed - Its high time Pakistan instropects and understands where its going

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Merchant

Jul 21, 2015 12:21pm

The Khan is noting but another feudal lord Pakistan would do well without.

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Nisar

Jul 21, 2015 01:10pm

I am a big fan of Balochistan and believe that Balochistran can be the reason why PAK becomes an economic hub, but at the same time i get very annoyed when we term all of Balochistan as problematic. The Kahn of Kalat, was the head of a particular part of Balochistan, so were the Nawabs of Makran, Las Bella and even Bugti, so please lets not assume that all of Balochistan will listen to them, or they own all of Balochistan, which is PAKs biggest province. This is why again and again, i have tabled the idea of more provinces and in Balochistan, this should be done at the boundaries of 1947, then people will see that majority of Balochistan is peacefull, and only a few areas of concern. The Khan of Kalat is not concerned about his people, he sees himself as the leader of all of Balochistan, which is wrong. You take a picture of him in inner Balochistan, no one will know who he is.

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Zulfiqar

Jul 21, 2015 01:41pm

Shame on the government who is seeking help from Sardars instead of empowering ordinary balochistani. Give people their right, don't interfere in their family and private life, give meaningful powers to people, make 5o universities in Balochistani, make large industrial zones. Develop a motor way from Kandhar to khuzdar to karachi, declare balochistani tax free zone for 10 years, support local culture, ensure every one is employed. PPL, SSGC should have their head offices in Balochistan. Opportunities should be provided. I don't know why Government is instead of committing to all above creating false corridors of power. Long live Pakistan and Long live Balochistan

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Haider Rehman

Jul 21, 2015 01:41pm

All these Sardars have looted Balochistan. They don't want education here as their hold would weaken.

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Muhammad Usman

Jul 21, 2015 01:48pm

Baluchistan has very rich Sardars and very poor people. The problem is the provincial government receive millions of dollars every year but its spend on corruption. Sardars dont let people to get education and the majority has never seen schools. Education can bring revolution in the province.

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Gen Akthar retd

Jul 21, 2015 01:55pm

Sorry sir - it's not your country, it belongs to me and every other Pakistani irrespective of creed, religion ,ethnicity or political affiliation There is a lot wrong with Pakistan and you should try and be part of the solution not the problem

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Azmeen

Jul 21, 2015 02:18pm

Bring common people to power in Balochistan so that they can solve problems of common people.

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Baluch Khan

Jul 21, 2015 02:29pm

The outlaws both young and old are giving up their weapons returning back to community from the mountains. Missing persons seems to returning back, which means there is no missing persons it was just anti Pakistan drama which is resolving naturally. Obviously there are external and internal anti Pakistan elements still working hard to jeopardize the peace.

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Abdul

Jul 21, 2015 02:36pm

Education in balochistan is like to open a library on mars and become an scholar on a Venus. In this critical situation,it is better to deal destitute people of Baloch with opportunities not a dialogue or delegation. Henceforth,building a trust is the real secret to maintain Balochistan a land of heaven and peace in Pakistan.

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Mirza

Jul 21, 2015 02:50pm

Baluchistan is part of the Pakistan forever Mr. Nawab Get settle for good in London please.

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white noise

Jul 21, 2015 03:01pm

Khan G must have taken asylum and UK does not process those so easily, taking anywhere between 7 to 10 years, so I he leaves, he will forfeit his UK nationality, THAT is why Khan G is there.

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WiseMan

Jul 21, 2015 03:04pm

Sir, we wish you best of luck. We whole heartedly support your noble cause.

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vicky

Jul 21, 2015 03:20pm

Please do not ignore the rightful voices of Baluchi people....wake up Pakistan before it is tooo lateee!!!

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farhad shaikh

Jul 21, 2015 03:33pm

The latest move from the government is only the light in the darkness. Bringing back all the stakeholders may improve the present grim scenario. Whatever is said Khan of kalat bears a good reputation among baloch brothers. And we should stop blaming punjab of exploiting the natural resources of baluchistan. After all, national cohesion is the first stem towards strong nation.

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sajid syed

Jul 21, 2015 03:54pm

@just_saying , Good one. True but sad. Man has reached the moon and mars and there are people who are stuck with tribe and clanish beliefs and traditions.

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Riaz

Jul 21, 2015 04:16pm

The secret of success lies in empowerment of younger Bloch generation (not with empty words but with tangible deeds) to become part of the mainstream, so that they can participate in the reconstruction of their province and feet part of Pakistan as equal citizens. The Nawabs are THE problem and not the solution, they are history's relics still clinging on to their feudal power and privileges at the expanse of the masses. In a modern state, there is no room for autocratic feudal dinosaurs.

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Jul 21, 2015 04:17pm

To the government of Pakistan: Please get over the "Sardars", "Khans", Maliks" and "Nawabs" - Kindly step into the 21st century. The population of Baluchistan is 4% of the entire country which means about 8 million citizens out of which about 5 million are under the age of 30. Establish dialogue with these 5 million young people and give them the education, employment and business opportunities which they need and deserve to bring them into the national main stream - It should not be a monumental task!

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Zulfiqar

Jul 21, 2015 04:32pm

@Baluch Khan these Sardars and nawabs are need of government, yes there are also missing people, rule of law has not been established in Pakistan. A conference of Balochistan should be conducted by ordinary people ensuring none elements are not made part of it

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M. Siddique

Jul 21, 2015 04:33pm

Who is paying for his stay in London?

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Anon

Jul 21, 2015 04:52pm

He is right in that the injustices against the baloch should end

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Blue Saffron

Jul 21, 2015 05:45pm

Stay out of Pakistan and dont come back. Good riddance.

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MAK

Jul 21, 2015 05:48pm

These Nawabs, Sardars are state made leaders of any tribe, initiated by the British think tank for there comformity and were compromised with little reward instead of common people rights as the capitalist class do. However, in this scientific era, Baloch is not that easy to manipulate by the hands of these so called Nawabs, Sardars or even Khan. Baloch is as empowered by education as any other nation is to decide its fate. so, everybody is request keep your ignorant mouths shut before saying anything.

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