Akbar Shahbaz Khan Bugti, a prominent Baloch leader and tribal chief, began his political career in 1958 as a National Assembly member and briefly served as Minister of State for Interior. He also became governor and chief minister of Balochistan and founded the Jamhoori Watan Party, advocating for Balochistan’s autonomy.
Bugti’s career faced setbacks, including imprisonment and disqualification following a 1960 military tribunal conviction. His clashes with the federal government over autonomy led to his resignation and violent confrontations with the military, especially under General Musharraf. Bugti was killed during a military operation in the Kohlu area of Balochistan when the cave he sought refuge, collapsed after a blast.
On July 26, 2024, a family feud between the Fahad Bugti and Ali Haider Bugti factions in Karachi resulted in five deaths, two injuries, and 17 arrests. Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar demanded a thorough investigation, with police recovering weapons. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions within the Bugti clan even years after Akbar Bugti’s death.
