MASTUNG: The Sardars of Baluchistan wanted to continue their hold on the poor tribesmen for their own ends, Prime Minister Bhutto told cheering Baluch at a public meeting at Shahi Bagh here today [July 30]. The Prime Minister castigated the traditional feudal chiefs … and declared that these Sardars were obstructing development activity in their areas, because that would end their supremacy and exploitation. …

The Government, he added, was totally opposed to the Sardari system, which would be abolished in the larger interest of the poor tribesmen. The Prime Minister said “some of our Sardars” wanted to side with Afghanistan because even after the overthrow of the monarchy by Sardar Daud Khan, the Sardari system still prevails there. …

Castigating the NAP chief Wali Khan, the Prime Minister said he had opposed the Quaid-i-Azam tooth and nail and described him as a secessionist. … Besides opposing the Father of the Nation Wali Khan had assured his party men that foreign assistance was in the offing for the creation of Pakhtoonistan. Commenting on the clarification of the NAP chief … Mr Bhutto said “No one will accept the clarification because of his … political past.”

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2024