Karachi: In a late-night visit to PIB Colony, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori paid a solemn visit to offer condolences to the family of renowned Qawwal Ahmed Ali Sabri and other victims of the Kalat tragedy. The tragedy, which resulted in the loss of several lives, including members of the iconic Sabri family, has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, particularly in the cultural capital of Karachi.
Accompanied by veteran politician Dr. Farooq Sattar, Governor Tessori expressed deep grief and labeled the attack as not just a terrorist act, but a deliberate and strategic conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by India, aimed at destabilizing Pakistan and provoking ethnic unrest between communities, particularly the Baloch and Punjabi populations.
The Kalat Tragedy: A National Loss
The Kalat tragedy refers to a recent incident in Balochistan’s Kalat district where unknown assailants opened fire on a convoy, resulting in multiple fatalities, including Ahmed Ali Sabri, his son, and other members of his musical troupe. The group, known for its soulful performances and cultural contributions, was reportedly traveling to perform at a religious gathering when it was ambushed.
Security forces later confirmed that it was a targeted attack, although investigations are still underway. The timing and target of the attack suggest more than mere sectarian or regional violence — it hints at calculated terror aimed at weakening Pakistan’s cultural unity.
A Spiritual and Cultural Void
During his media interaction outside the Sabri residence, Governor Kamran Tessori emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the Qawwal community, especially the Sabri family, in Pakistan’s history. The Sabri family has been an enduring symbol of Sufi tradition and unity, frequently using their platform to promote messages of peace and interfaith harmony.
“This family shares the joys of the nation during times of celebration and now they have become a picture of grief themselves,” the Governor said.
“The attack on the Sabri family is an attack on the cultural soul of Karachi — and indeed, all of Pakistan.”
He added that targeting a family so rooted in love and spirituality indicates the cowardice of those behind the violence, suggesting that such attacks are not spontaneous but part of a wider plot to fragment Pakistan internally.
Ethnic Harmony Under Threat
Governor Tessori warned of the perilous consequences of stoking ethnic discord, alleging that the attack was part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at sowing division between Baloch and Punjabi communities.
“This is more than terrorism,” he stressed. “This is a calculated effort to create ethnic conflict. But Pakistanis are united. We know our enemies, and we will not let them divide us.”
His statement comes amid growing concerns that external forces are exploiting regional tensions in Balochistan — a province historically marred by insurgency and political unrest — to challenge the unity of the federation.
India Accused of Orchestrating the Attack
In a pointed accusation, Governor Tessori blamed India, referring to it as “Fitna-ul-Hind,” a term implying evil or seditious forces from the neighboring country. He suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is retaliating against Pakistan’s geopolitical stance and attempting to retaliate for India’s diplomatic setbacks.
“Modi is avenging his failures through these cowardly attacks on innocent Pakistanis,” he claimed. “But let me make it clear — we will respond with the same intensity. This is not the Pakistan of the past. We will avenge blood with blood.”
While his remarks have stirred strong emotions, many political analysts caution against escalating rhetoric without definitive proof, urging both restraint and due process.
Political and Military Response Expected
Governor Tessori urged Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti to launch an immediate investigation into the Kalat incident. He also demanded that the injured be swiftly transported to Karachi for better medical care.
“The entire nation stands with the Sabri family,” he added. “We expect swift justice. Those responsible should not escape. The government must act decisively.”
In response, sources within the Ministry of Interior have confirmed that high-level security meetings are being held, and a joint task force is being considered to investigate the incident thoroughly.
The Sabri Legacy: A Beacon of Peace
The Sabri family has a long and illustrious history in Pakistan’s musical landscape. The late Amjad Sabri, a globally renowned Qawwal, was himself the victim of a targeted killing in Karachi in 2016 — an event that stunned the nation and led to widespread calls for protection of cultural figures.
Ahmed Ali Sabri, his cousin, carried the torch forward, performing across Pakistan and abroad, keeping the legacy of Sufi music and spiritual healing alive. His death marks another tragic blow to Pakistan’s already endangered traditional arts community.
Cultural commentators lament that Qawwals, poets, and artists in Pakistan have increasingly come under threat, even though they are central to the country’s soft power and spiritual fabric.
Ethnic Politics and Regional Sensitivities
Balochistan, despite being rich in natural resources, has long suffered from political neglect, economic deprivation, and sporadic insurgencies. Ethnic tensions, coupled with a sense of marginalization, have been historically exploited by separatist factions and, as Pakistan alleges, foreign intelligence agencies.
Governor Tessori’s remarks about attempts to instigate Baloch-Punjabi conflict align with past Pakistani claims that RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), India’s intelligence agency, is involved in subversive activities inside Balochistan.
These allegations were internationally spotlighted with the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer accused of espionage and sabotage in Pakistan. India denied the charges, but the incident remains a sore point in India-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
Public Reaction and National Sentiment
News of the tragedy has prompted nationwide mourning, especially in Karachi, where the Sabri family enjoys immense love and respect. Thousands have expressed condolences on social media, calling for unity and firm government action.
Candlelight vigils have been held in various parts of the country, with artists, clerics, and politicians joining hands to denounce terrorism and stand in solidarity with the victims.
“This is not just an attack on individuals; this is an attack on Pakistan’s cultural identity,” said one attendee at a Karachi vigil. “We must rise above ethnic and sectarian lines and fight this menace together.”
August 14 Celebrations as a Symbol of Resilience
Despite the tragedy, Governor Tessori vowed that Pakistan will celebrate Independence Day (August 14) with full zeal to demonstrate national unity and defiance in the face of terrorism.
“We will not be cowed by fear,” he declared. “On August 14, we will send a clear message to the world — that Pakistan stands united and unbreakable.”
Preparations are already underway for Independence Day parades and cultural events, which will now also serve as a tribute to the victims of the Kalat tragedy and a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism.
Call for National Solidarity
In conclusion, the Kalat tragedy has become a symbol of national mourning but also of resilience. Governor Kamran Tessori’s statements, though emotionally charged, underscore a broader truth — that Pakistan continues to face multifaceted threats to its security and identity, both from within and beyond its borders.
The killing of Ahmed Ali Sabri and his team has reignited the debate around protection for cultural icons, the role of foreign involvement in internal conflicts, and the need for a cohesive national strategy to counter terrorism in all its forms.
The nation watches and waits — for justice, for healing, and for a future where peace is not a dream, but a shared reality.
