QUETTA: The late Baloch politician Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri’s son, Nawabzada Gazan Marri, is set to return to Pakistan after 18 years of self-exile spent mostly in Dubai. In a telephonic conversation with media personnel here on Thursday, he said he would arrive in the country on Friday (today).

Gazan Marri, a former home minister and younger brother of Nawab Changez Marri, said he would decide his future course of action after discussing the issue with other stakeholders. “I am returning to my country after spending 18 years in exile on Sept 22,” he said, adding that nobody should be afraid of his return as he was not bringing a tank or a force with him.

Mr Marri said he was unaware of the developments in Switzerland where posters calling for an independent Balochistan were being publicly displayed. He expressed surprise and asked what objectives or gains had been achieved by these banners.

He said it had become fashionable and a business to say a few words against Pakistan and earn quick money. He said he had spent 18 years in exile and now wanted to come home and be with his people.

He explained that he had gone into exile on his father’s instructions. “I made attempts to return home earlier and serve the people but was faced with roadblocks every step of the way,” Mr Marri said. “Some people are scared of my return. I want to clarify that I have no personal designs or objectives. I accept the ground realities prevailing in the province and will live with them.”

He said he had great regard for his late father who preferred to stay in Pakistan and waged a relentless struggle for the people’s rights. “I want to follow in his footsteps and spend the rest of my life in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he did not believe in the politics of revenge or anger, though a difference of opinion was natural.

He claimed that he had great respect for everyone living in the province and believed in struggling for all those living in Balochistan. According to the former minister, extremism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestation and the common man should get justice.

Responding to a question, he said that it was premature to say if or which political party he would join.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2017