QUETTA: Prince Mohyuddin Ahmedzai Baloch, chief of the Baloch Rabita Ittifaq Tehreek and former federal minister, passed away at a private hospital in Karachi late on Thursday night. He was 79.

He suffered from kidney disease and was admitted to hospital a few days ago. Last year, he suffered a heart attack.

Prince Mohyuddin, who was paternal uncle of Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Dawood, was laid to rest in the royal family graveyard in his native town Kalat in the presence of thousands of people.

Earlier, his funeral prayer was offered in Kalat, which were attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Alyani, Home Minister Ziaullah Langove, Prince Ahmed Ali, member of National Assembly Syed Mehmood Shah, Senator Agha Omer Ahmedzai, provincial ministers, tribal elders and hundreds of people.

Prince Mohyuddin was born in Kalat on Nov 5, 1942. He was son of Khan of Kalat Mir Ahmed Yar Khan Ahmedzai. He obtained initial education from Government Dawood High School, Kalat, and then went to Quetta for further education.

In 1958 during General Ayub Khan’s martial law, he was arrested with his father and remained in jail for many years.

When his father became governor of Balochistan in the 70s, Prince Mohyuddin worked as his principal staff secretary till dismissal of elected government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by General Ziaul Haq.

Prince Mohyuddin entered active politics in 1985 when was elected MNA in the non-party based elections under Gen Zia regime. His name was among the candidates for the office of prime minister but Gen Zia appointed Mohammad Khan Junejo as prime minister.

However, Prime Mohyuddin was inducted as federal minister for communication in the Junejo cabinet. He also served as federal minister for trade for long time.

After 1988 elections, Prince Mohyuddin formed Baloch Rabita Ittifaq Tehreek in Karachi along with his younger brother Prince Yahya Ahmedzai Baloch and opened its branches not only in Pakistan but also abroad. He was a strong supporter of unification of Baloch community across the world.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2021