ISLAMABAD: Exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti whose possible return to Pakistan has been contemplated by powers that-be in recent months to further stabilize the vastly-improved situation in Balochistan following significant successes against separatists has shown a desire to talk directly with the powerful civilian and military circles in Islamabad to negotiate terms for his return to Pakistan.
Well-placed sources told The News the fugitive Baloch leader is not too keen to talk to what he sees as a weak and pliant provincial government in Balochistan and has conveyed his desire to engage with the powerful security circles in the federal capital.
His desire to go head to head with those overseeing national security, particularly law enforcement drive in Balochistan, is reflection of his intention to not only secure his return in a safe environment in Pakistan but also see to it that the terms and conditions on which he eventually agrees to return are honoured and translated into reality in quick time to avoid any unsavoury situation for him.
According to the sources, Brahamdagh Bugti has categorically told the quarters concerned that he is not interested in talking to any of the Baloch leaders for reconciliation or political solution to his differences with the Pakistan government.
At the same time Pakistan’s quarters concerned think that negotiation with Harbiyar are useless because he has lost support in Balochistan and his elder brother Chengez Mari has established his control over the Mari Tribe after the death of Kher Bukhsh Mari.
Initially, he was considered weak but his presence in province and contact with the tribe paid him well and he strengthened his position vis a vis his exiled brother Harbiyar and now he was comfortable. And he is in touch with authorities in Pakistan.
The News learnt that Brahamdag has also conveyed to the authorities that he will negotiate with the federal government and Pakistan Army for rederssal of his complaints and consequently his return to Pakistan.
Sources privy to the dialogue process confided to The News that Brahamdag thinks that a meaningful dialogue was beneficial only with Islamabad and Rawalpindi and not with the Balochistan-based leadership.
Explaining this point, these sources said one main reason for Brahamdagh’s message was that he considered Balochistan leaders his rivals not mediators.
He also believes these rivals perhaps are not sincere in his return to Pakistan because as soon as he (Brahamdagh) returns to Pakistan he might be the most powerful leader in Balochistan and many of Baloch leaders consider his return to Pakistan a threat to their politics, The News learnt.
An official privy to negotiations talking to this correspondent said Brahamdagh considered that negotiation would be meaningful with those who could guarantee implementation of, if reached, agreement. And this guarantee couldn’t come from the province.
The federal government, may be the interior minister and the army, are the only two who can finalise and guarantee the agreement. So why to waste time in negotiation with the leaders who cant ensure any guarantee.
In the light of these arguments, it is believed that in future talks would only be held with the representatives of federal government and GHQ.
Now it is up to Islamabad when to start negotiations directly with Brahamdagh and to meet his demands. Though he has not formally given a list of his demands, Islamabad is very much aware what his demands could be. At the top would be to punishment to the murderers of Sardar Akbar Bugti. And secondly to admit him as legitimate head of Bugti tribe.
Though he is unquestioned head of his tribe and is receiving phori (tax) from his tribesmen regularly from the day he is in exile, he wants Islamabad to accept his position as the head of tribe and get all privileges entitled to tribe head.
The News learnt the Pakistani authorities (civil and security) have yet to respond to Brahamdagh’s reply and most likely option being considered by them is to talk to the exiled leader next month and assure him that doable would be done and he should wait till next general election.
Further that he would be allowed to take part in next general election and the result will decide his political career. His demand to recognize him as the head of Bugti tribe will be accepted.
