The Secretary General of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dil Murad Baloch, paid tribute to the late Professor Saba Dashtiyari on his death anniversary, calling him an extraordinary intellectual, literary figure, and messenger of revolution and freedom in Balochistan.
“Today marks the anniversary of an exceptional thinker, writer, and the herald of liberation Professor Saba Dashtiyari,” Dil Murad said in a statement. “He was a great political and intellectual mentor whose legacy is a source of pride for every Baloch.”
He noted that Professor Dashtiyari’s birth name was Ghulam Hussain, but he gained prominence in the literary, academic, and political circles by the name Saba Dashtiyari. Despite serving as a professor of Islamic studies at the University of Balochistan, Saba’s intellectual reach far exceeded any official designation. His thoughts were not confined to religious or traditional frameworks.
Dil Murad Baloch recalled that Saba was initially active only in literary circles, but over time, he forged a deep connection with the Baloch national movement and took up the responsibility of guiding the Baloch people politically and intellectually.
“Saba Dashtiyari rendered invaluable services in instilling critical thinking, academic inquiry, and national unity among Baloch youth,” he added. “His contributions to literature, language, history, and politics reflect his belief that ‘freedom is impossible without knowledge, and knowledge is meaningless without freedom.’”
Dil Murad emphasized that Saba’s writings, translations, lectures, and speeches form a treasured chapter in Baloch national history.
“Eventually, the tragic day arrived when the Pakistani state decided to silence a towering intellectual pillar of the Baloch nation. It was on this very day that he was martyred on the streets of Quetta,” he said. “But Saba lives on — in the rays of the sun, the moonlight, the voices of the freedom fighters, the pulse of passionate hearts, and the slogans echoing from the stage — for Saba had declared: ‘I will speak.’”
