Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has won praise from the Sabri qawwal troupe, survivors of last month's terrorist attack in Khuzdar, after announcing Rs6 million financial assistance for the families of the deceased devotional performers and extending official recognition to the ensemble.
To mark Independence Day, CM Bugti arranged his personal aircraft from Karachi to fly the qawwals to Balochistan, where they were received as guests of honour. At the ceremony, the performers were welcomed warmly and invited on stage. Condolences were offered over the tragedy and a pledge was made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Lead qawwal Majid Ali Sabri said the reception was unforgettable. "When the plane landed on Balochistan's soil, the welcome brought tears to our eyes. The hospitality and respect extended to us was priceless," he told The Express Tribune.
Among the survivors is tabla player Shahbaz Ali, who lost three fingers of his right hand and suffered paralysis in his left. He has since been shifted to Karachi for treatment.
The attack occurred on July 16 when the Sabri troupe departed PIB Colony for a performance in Quetta. After stopping near Khuzdar for lunch and fuel, their bus came under attack from heavily armed terrorists, who opened fire and hurled grenades. Three members of the ensemble were killed on the spot, while over a dozen others were wounded.
Sabri said Bugti was the first to provide tangible support. "This was not just financial aid but also a gesture of respect for artistes and a rare expression of love from one province to another," he remarked.
He, however, criticised Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori for what he termed indifference. "He visited our home and attended the funerals, but later there was no support. I went to the Governor House three times but was stopped at the gate. Even when I managed to meet him, there was no outcome," he added.
Appealing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sabri urged the federal government to take notice. "Many of us have lost loved ones, others have been left permanently disabled. We request the prime minister to send a fact-finding team and announce proper assistance. Most of us are daily-wage performers who live hand-to-mouth," he added.
Officials said two injured troupe members were recently shifted from Quetta to Karachi for treatment, while two others remain under treatment in Balochistan and will be transferred soon.
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