KARACHI: Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, a veteran Baloch nationalist leader has passed away in Karachi after a protracted illness for which he was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition last week, DawnNews reported late on Tuesday night.

The 86-year-old was being treated at Liaquat National Hospital’s intensive care unit where he had been unconscious for the last few days.

Marri, born in 1928, was a leader of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) – a proscribed Baloch separatist organisation – and was one of the key leaders of the 1970’s insurgency in Balochistan.

He had returned to Pakistan after the fall of the left-wing government in Kabul after spending several years there in exile.

He had six sons including Balach Marri, Jangaiz Marri, Hyrbyiar Marri, Gazain Marri, Hamza Marri and Mehran Marri.

Khair Bakhsh Marri’s eldest son, Nawab Balach Marri was allegedly killed by Nato forces in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border in 2007.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari among other political leaders expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of the veteran Baloch leader.

In condolence message to the family of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, they paid rich tributes for his contribution in the national politics and rights of Baloch people.

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First Published In Dawn,11th June, 2014.