QUETTA: Gazain Marri, son of the late nationalist leader of Balochistan Khair Baksh Marri, was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities soon after he landed at Quetta airport from the United Arab Emirates on Friday morning.
Gazain had been in a self-imposed exile for the past 18 years.
Marri is a suspect in the murder of Balochistan High Court (BHC) Justice Nawaz Marri in addition to being an alleged facilitator of the banned militant organisation Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Justice Nawaz Marri was killed in a targeted attack in Quetta on January 7, 2000.
Following Marri’s arrest, his lawyer confirmed that a bail had already been secured against cases that he is charged with, adding that his client’s location at the moment remains unknown.
A large number of Marri tribesmen and elders tried to reach the airport to receive Gazain Marri, however, police stopped them at the main airport chowk.
Talking to reporters, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that Gazain Marri is nominated in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri. He added that other cases against Gazain will also be investigated.
Bugti also pointed out that Marri was a propagator of the “free Balochistan campaign’ during his exile, adding that his return is not a result of any ‘deal’.
Earlier in June, Marri had confirmed his plans of ending his self-imposed exile and also said that he will face the cases against him.
“My hands are clean; I’ve nothing to do with BLA,” he said, stating further, “I was wrongly booked in the murder case of Justice Nawaz Marri.”
Gazain, a former home minister and younger brother of Nawab Changez Marri, said he would decide his future course of action after discussing the issue with other stakeholders.
“I am returning to my country after spending 18 years in exile on Sept 22,” he said, adding that nobody should be afraid of his return as he was not bringing a tank or a force with him.
Marri had said he was unaware of the developments in Switzerland where posters calling for an independent Balochistan were being publicly displayed. He expressed surprise and asked what objectives or gains had been achieved by these banners.
He said it had become fashionable and a business to say a few words against Pakistan and earn quick money. He said he had spent 18 years in exile and now wanted to come home and be with his people.
He explained that he had gone into exile on his father’s instructions.
“I made attempts to return home earlier and serve the people but was faced with roadblocks every step of the way,” Marri said.
“Some people are scared of my return. I want to clarify that I have no personal designs or objectives. I accept the ground realities prevailing in the province and will live with them,” he said.
[…] Source: Google News […]
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