At last Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri Released

After an eighteen months ordeal Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri the government had to release Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri. Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri had been arrested in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri. He and his sons had been accused of killing Justice Nawaz Marri. Nawab Marri and his sons denied any involvement with the murder and maintained that they had no enmity with the deceased, these statements were all over the news, Nawab Marri’s counsels gave the same statements in the courts also. According to tribal customs this is enough evidence to absolve Nawab Marri and his sons from the charges. Taking all this in consideration, involving Nawab Marri in this case and arresting him was unwarranted and antagonistic to implicate and arrest him in the murder charge. 

It became very cleared that government had some other objectives. In a few months time it was proved that Nawab Marri’s had been arrested on political grounds. In the course of the investigation Nawab Marri was never questioned regarding the murder but was interrogated about his stay in Afghanistan and what arms and training he and his followers received there. When Nawab Marri was arrested the government had given “shoot to kill” orders about him, this was disclosed to the reporters by Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Talking to the reporters Sardar Mengal pointed towards Inspector General of Police of Balochistan. Probably this was the reason why IG police Balochistan was transferred immediately.

Nawab Marri knew this from the beginning that the government of Pakistan was very annoyed with him. During Zia ul Haq time when political leaders were about to be released from Hyderabad Jail, it was told by Khan Abdul Wali Khan in the presence of all colleagues that the government was willing to release all of them except Nawab Marri. This was pointed out by Khan Abdul Wali Khan to other political leaders in prison, on his return from General Head Quarters (GHQ Military junta making all decisions pertaining to every walk of life in Pakistan). It was settled that Nawab Marri’s dead body could leave the premises of the jail. But all of them realised very soon that the Government of day had bad intentions. It was settled that Nawab Marri’s dead body could leave the premises of the jail. Government under no circumstances could allow Nawab Marri out of the prison due to his political inclinations.

Mir Ghous Bux Bezanjo had refused to be released without the release of his other political colleagues and maintained that they would not accept release on bail. Hence Nawab Marri and other colleagues were released together from Hyderabad Jail.

It is very well known that the Marri area is replete with riches of Oil and Gas. This area also abounds in other mineral resources.

Nawab Marri believes though these resources are from the Marri area but belong to all Baloch and will be explored by only Baloch consent and for their own benefit. In this regard he gives the example of Sui Gas exploitation and misuse.

Government wants Nawab Marri to change his stance and allow the exploration of Oil and Gas reserves but he did not give assent. Most likely this is the reason why he is being drawn into a tribal dispute so that his stature could be belittled. Nawab Marri is the leader of all Baloch but a small section of Marri tribe has turned against him (Infect this is a family based community serving the interests of the government and acting upon government instructions). Nawab Marri’s arrest and long detention in jail was another ground for his political stance on Baloch rights. This is the reason why Nawab Marri had to go in exile in 1970s. At first General Zia ul Haq tried to have negotiations by without any outcome, then he bade farewell to Pakistan and went to England then France and then finally settled in Afghanistan, where afghan authorities (President Babrak Karmal later Presedent Dr. Najeebullah) welcomed him.

With the withdrawal of soviet troops from Afghanistan underhand plots against Nawab Marri began taking roots, a news was spread among Marri’s through their notables that Nawab had asked all of them to migrate to Afghanistan selling their sheep and other assets. Actually there was no such call from Nawab Marri. It was a propaganda by pro-government notables with a view to uproot Marri’s from Pakistan the government and its agents proved successful to some extend in their mission and thousands of Marri’s migrated to Afghanistan. Meanwhile it was plotted to assassinate Nawab Marri and some Marri youngsters marched to attack Nawab’s camp but they were stopped by the people loyal to Nawab Marri and snatched arms from them thus another plot proved abortive.

When the Russian army pulled out Najeebs regime ended and especially when allegiance of general Rasheed Dostam changed, a wave of anxiety spread through out Balochistan that Nawab Marri’s life was in danger the Mujjahidean (Baloch Called them Mullahs) had taken control of Afghanistan and they did not like Nawab Marri. 

The Pakistani government was put under pressure by the masses to bring Nawab Marri back to Balochistan. The Mujjahideen government had friendly relation with government of Pakistan and their bleed would be regarded the deed of government of Pakistan so, under compulsion the government of Pakistan brought him to Quetta. Nawab Khair Baksh Marri’s reception is un-paralleled. 

From the above it is very evident that Nawab Marri is a man of strong nerves and cannot be budged from his path by arresting, imprisoning or pressurising him. Arrest, prison or pressure cannot move him a very little from his path. It was the mistake or ignorance of the government. 

If the government knew: that it was the Nawab Marri who kept the government of Pakistan (One Unit) like a derelict organ for several days. The tail follows that Nawab Marri was elected to the assembly of West Pakistan. Sikander Mirza formed a republican party over night and broke up many members of Muslim League and tried to win majority. 
Once, in West Pakistan assembly Muslim League and Republican Party had equal number of votes or members. The Speaker could not use casting of vote because the vote of Nawab Marri remained and was decisive. Nawab Khair Baksh Marri’s vote could enable either party to form government in West Pakistan.

From both sides offers were made to Nawab Marri but he refused to accept. Nawab Marri could get every thing for him self in 1957, but he accepted nothing. 

The present government was there for totally mistaken that it would make a deal with him through arrest or imprisonment. 

Nawab Marri enjoys a good position; his position is not disputed among the Baloch Nationalists he will be able to become a symbol of Baloch unity in future, he can be a challenge to the government only the time will tell. 

Monthly Ehtisab 2001