Bugti murder: SC rejects Musharraf’s request to move case to Islamabad

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

QUETTA: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf to move the hearing of the Nawab Akbar Bugti case from Quetta to Islamabad.

A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk heard the request filed by the former president.

Advocate Qamar Afzal was representing Musharraf in the court and the request was filed on grounds of threats to the former president’s security.

Musharraf is currently under house arrest in Islamabad, guarded by an army of 300 policeman paramilitary personnel, soldiers, snipers and anti-terrorist officers.

Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a cave on August 26, 2006 during a military crackdown ordered by Musharraf who was president and army chief at the time.

Bugti had led an armed campaign to press for provincial autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan’s natural resources. The death of the Baloch chieftain sparked angry protests in the country.

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Pakistan

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Sohraab

Oct 07, 2013 02:36pm

It was very much expected from the "SUPREME" court to deny any request from the former President. It is the most Biased Court in the history of Pakistan.

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toocool

Oct 07, 2013 03:39pm

The Supreme Court is not thinking straight anymore, even a common man can see that Gen Musharraf has a security problem especially in Quetta where the state cannot even protect the ordinary citizens.

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M Rafique

Oct 07, 2013 04:00pm

Reporting in last para seems to be a biased reporting. DAWN can go through their own news clips of those days to ascertain the correct affairs how the incident was happened. Is that so called compaign was for provincial autonomy or to achieve some personal benefits.

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MSA

Oct 07, 2013 06:10pm

Supreme Court has become another dirty political party of Pakistan.

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dr zahoor

Oct 07, 2013 06:22pm

Bugti had launched an all out attack against the state of Pakistan and was fighting and attacking the security forces from the mountain tops and caves. It had to be retaliated and the state had to defend itself against these traitors. The killing of Bugti is the same as the Taliban are killed . It is unjust on the part of Government and Judiciary of Pakistan to file a murder suit against Musharaf. It is the history of Bugti tribe since creation of the state that they have started a fight which still continues.

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Shaikh Mohommd

Oct 07, 2013 06:30pm

Bugti did not lead an armed campaign. It was the Army which was using its force to stop peaceful protest. Well the matter now is sub-judice and hence I would not like to comment.

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Riaz

Oct 07, 2013 06:50pm

It is shameful to see SC abusing it's powers for a political and revengeful motives. Life of an ex-president and COAS should be given priority over case hearings. What difference does it make if the case is heard in Quetta or in Islamabad ... it makes a difference to Gen. Musharraf, but shouldn't make a difference to the SC. Shame on SC.

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Arif

Oct 07, 2013 07:14pm

Kind be fair to the fallen man. There was no such "crackdown" (as you put it), rather it was open insurgency (remember, the nationalist "leader" had picked up arms against Pakistan army). The man was openly fighting for total "separation" (check his final few interviews)!!

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Ahmer

Oct 07, 2013 08:41pm

A good decision by Supreme Court.

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Mir

Oct 07, 2013 08:45pm

Forgive me if I am wrong, but isn't it lawful to kill terrorists fighting against the state?

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MFJ

Oct 07, 2013 09:50pm

He should be "Man" enough and admit he gave the orders and give his reasons for doing so.

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fazal

Oct 07, 2013 10:26pm

Supreme Court is no good

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quresh

Oct 07, 2013 10:59pm

Relax Guy, This is what's called retribution.

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Shahid

Oct 08, 2013 03:32am

Pervez Musharraf killed Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Khan Bugti along with scores of other innocent people and must pay the price for the acts and atrocities committed during his watch including Lal Masjid massacre, let the law run its course.

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K.A.Muhammad

Oct 08, 2013 04:11am

"Musharraf is currently under house arrest in Islamabad, guarded by an army of 300 policeman paramilitary personnel, soldiers, snipers and anti-terrorist officers". Indeed a thought for the day! The one and only, without precedent!

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Sarwat

Oct 08, 2013 07:30am

What is the meaning of all of this!!!! Judges are biased against Musharraf. Their personal vendetta. Shame on judges!!! I am sorry judges, Pakistan's prosperity is bigger and more important than your egos. Musharraf alone had accomplished during his stay than everyone else combined. Everybody makes mistakes, PML-N and PPP commit deliberate blunders, but no one questions them. Courts don't assert their will on them, Why?

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alan

Oct 08, 2013 07:42am

can a poor country like pakistan can afford to spend that much money on security of any citizen except this rich man who will live rest of his luxry life in UK. Justice must be done and seen to be done. "Musharraf is currently under house arrest in Islamabad, guarded by an army of 300 policeman paramilitary personnel, soldiers, snipers and anti-terrorist officers".

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M Khan

Oct 08, 2013 10:08am

I wonder if personal grudges are at play in this decision. I am sad and disappointed by the supreme court and the chief justice for not meeting the fundamentals of justice. M Khan

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Sikander Zulqarnain Cheema

Oct 08, 2013 12:03pm

Musharraf sahab ne sahi step lia tha...

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