Transfer of Bugti murder case: BHC issues notice to advocate general

QUETTA: Hearing a petition calling for the transfer of the Akbar Bugti murder case from Quetta’s anti-terrorism court to Islamabad, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Monday issued a notice to Advocate General Shakeel Baloch. BHC Chief Justice Qazi Faez Essa was irked at the additional prosecutor general for failing to submit a reply on the matter. Chief Justice Essa remarked that the Balochistan government should communicate its stance on the transfer of the Bugti murder case to Islamabad and facilitate the court on the issue. The province’s top judge also expressed his displeasure over the fact that the application seeking transfer of the case did not carry the signature of the chief secretary. The petition’s hearing was subsequently adjourned to August 24. Earlier, the request regarding the transfer of the Bugti murder case to Islamabad was made by the Balochistan police “keeping in view the threats” to former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf who is a prime accused in the case. Balochistan nationalist leader Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a cave on August 26, 2006 during a military crackdown ordered by Musharraf who was president and army chief at the time. Bugti had led an armed campaign to press for provincial autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan’s natural resources. The death of the Baloch chieftain sparked angry protests in the country.