ISLAMABAD September 1, 2006: To discuss the current scenario of Balochistan and the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti a seminar titled "The Killing of Akbar Bugti and Unrest in Blochistan" was organized by ActionAid Pakistan under its Peace and governance portfolios. The seminar started with a documentary entitled "The Baloch Battle Field" by Muniza Jehangir, given the conflict situation on the ground in Balochistan, showing strong resentment of the Baloch people and Nawab Akbar Bugti's last interview was also featured in the documentary. The speakers at the seminar strongly condemned the extra judicial murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti and denounced the actions of military government in Balochistan. The speakers were of the opinion that the military government is adding to its track record by responding to the political and economic chaos with guns and bullets. The civil society representatives showed their grave concerns over the governmental actions. The event also put across the concerns of civil society that the actions of government are increasingly detrimental to the integrity of the country and federation. While opening the session Dr. Rubina Saigol from ActionAid said that throughout the history of Pakistan the people of Pakistan have been deprived of their rights and just distribution of resources- the Baloch people have been worst effected. She said that the current military operation is not a new phenomenon for the people of Balochistan as the government has been fruitlessly trying to gain control over Balochistans resources through the use of force.

Sheikh Asad Rehman, a renowned journalist speaking at the occasion gave an historical insight on the Baloch peoples struggle for autonomy. He pointed out that the Baloch people have been struggling for their freedom since British rule. Narrating his own experiences of fighting against the Frontier Corps in 1973-75, he said: "We had the feeling as if a foreign army was invading our country, as they used all sorts of weapons, including gunship helicopters".Same is the case in the current army operation. Asad Rahman also emphasized the fact that the majority killed in the current operation are women, children, old men etc. i.e. civilians.

Hina Jillani, lawyer and representative of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, while strongly condemning the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, said that it is very obvious that this was target killing and this was preplanned. Hina Jillani said there had been massive violations of human rights and that they can be treated as crimes against humanity or war crimes according to international humanitarian law. Talking on the legal aspect of this issue she said this is also a crime of extermination of a whole race and culture whose land, property, basic human rights and their identity are being destroyed. She called for fair, just and public trial of the generals who are involved in this operation. She asked for free access to information and sites of violence so that sufferings can be alleviated and the culprits can be brought to justice.

Bushra Gohar, representing ANP, said that Pakhtun themselves belong to the nation which is being oppressed in a similar manner as their Baloch brothers. She said that ANP strongly condemn this unjust and unlawful action of a dictator government. She expressed ANP's solidarity with the Baloch people in their struggle for rights. She demanded that General Pervez Musharraf should immediately resign from the president-ship and he should be trialed for Nawab Akbar Bugti's killing.

Calling the Punjabis to stand up and show solidarity with their Baloch brothers, PPP's MNA Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that historical analysis of Pakistan reveals that the players have been changing but the issues have remained the same. He said that in order to condemn the military operation and the extra-judicial killing, they boycotted the National Assemblys proceedings and they called for an open debate on the same which has still not taken place. He further exclaimed: "In this hour of need we are with the Baloch and as Punjabis we shall support the Baloch in their struggle!"

Dr. Abdul Haye Balouch of National Party Balochistan said that they never got freedom from the colonizers, and even since the foundation of Pakistan their own leaders acted as colonizers against them. He said that Nawab Akbar Bugtis sacrifice of life has made him a hero of all Baloch and all oppressed ethnic groups of Pakistan. Nawab Akbar Bugti has set an example which will take the struggle of Balochi people forward with a new zeal and enthusiasm. He stated:"We will never sit back rather we will continue our struggle with even more strength!"