Police arrested Nawabzada Gazeen Marri, wanted in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri, upon his arrival at Quetta airport on Friday, DawnNews reported.

Gazeen Marri, the son of late Baloch politician Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, ended his self-imposed exile and returned to Pakistan after 18 years of self-exile spent mostly in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the counsel of Gazeen Marri, Arbab Tahir Advocate, informed the media persons that there was no justification for Marri's arrest. "We have already secures protective bail from the court," he maintained.

A large number of Marri tribesmen and elders tried to reach the airport to receive Gazeen Marri, however, police stopped them at the main airport chowk prior to their entry.

"Police arrested Gazeen Marri in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri," a senior police official informed DawnNews.

Justice Nawaz Marri, the senior judge of Balochistan High Court, was killed in an attack on January 7, 2000, in the Zarghoon road area of Quetta.

Gazeen Marri, Hyrbayar Marri and others were nominated in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri.

In a telephonic conversation with media personnel on Thursday, Gazeen Marri had announced that he would arrive in the country on Friday.

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.

Strict security measures were adopted by the provincial administration at Quetta airport in view of the expected arrival of Gazeen Marri.

The law enforcers arrested Gazeen Marri before coming out of the airport.

Marri had 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,” 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.”