Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq inaugurating Akbar Express at Lahore railway station. PHOTO: PID
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, while paying tribute to the late Baloch leader on his death anniversary, said the announcement had been made to acknowledge his efforts for democracy. “The train has been named after Akbar Bugti in recognition of his services to this country and for democracy,” he added.
“Bugti remained a real democratic leader and served on key political slots during his life,” the minister said.
Referring to the controversial military action ordered by Musharraf, he said matters were dealt with force during dictatorship.
“The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has always opposed the use of force as it is not a solution to any problem,” Rafiq said, adding that the government was making an effort to listen to the voice of the neglected segments of society.
The railways minister said that the PML-N government would soon approach the people of Balochistan for reconciliation and negotiations.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2013.
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Good move to show baloch nationalists that Pakistan is the it's too. Rather than continuing to make them think they are separate. Sherpao bridge benazir airport, zulfiqarabad. High time something gets named after balochs to show them that they are us and we are them. Thank you saad rafique.
Ethnic diviosn at state level, so its true state always supported ethnic facttors
A comparison of Bugti's contribution to Pakistan and himself will show whether he deserved to be hounoured like that or not.
Appreciate the gesture.
That is why military dictatorships are poison for a country, they can make a common criminal and warlord like Bugti into an icon for no reason. He should never have been killed, now he will never die. Strange that we are celebrating the most anti-pakistan leaders amongst us.
That shows the mental level of saad rafique and his party. Now we can tell the world that talibans are our heroes.
nonsense! bugti ruled for years and gave nothing to Baluchistan but anarchy.
So we have Mr.Rafiq's judgement before us. I wonder what is the Divine Judgement, in Bugti's case?
Yeah, the Nawab was a very democratic like Lincoln, open minded like Kennedy, political niche like Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Well then name a motorway for Baitullah Mehsud as well cuz PML-N going to holds talks with TTP and this will make cordial atmosphere for negotiations right? after all those guys' forefathers in the past pull a miracle for you. And guess what, name a govt building in the name of Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman who was a defector & abductor of Rashid Minhas in 1971.
One can learn to lean on backwards from our political class.
regards,