A sorrowful journey to Quetta where we lost Idrees Kaml, a peace activist and a human rights defender

Reported by Zar Ali Khan Afridi It was June 6, 2013 that Idrees Kamal called me through his cell asking for accompanying him to Quetta where Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch President National Party was going to take over as the Chief Minister of Baluchistan which is the largest province and is about 43% of total Pakistan. It was about 8.pm and I had just returned from Islamabad to Peshawar towards my home from a consultation of National Democratic Institute (NDI) Islamabad where we attended a meeting on FATA. I replied Idrees kamal that I would tell him tomorrow whither I would be available or not because my children were suffering from illness and I wanted to take them to either hospital or some nearby doctors to treat them properly. But Idrees Kamal was not a person who could hear me. He insisted that I would accompany him. I at last said to him, Yes,. I would accompany him. Hearing it he was so delighted that his joys knew no bound. When it was morning next day June 7, 2013 I came first to my office in Deans Trade Center Peshawar and asked him that they should pick me up from my office instead of home. In my office I had to send an important report to NDI about elections 2013 NA-47. It was about 9 AM that a call came from Idrees kamal to come out of the office and they were near with Deans Trade center and within 6 minutes they would be there. I immediately shut down my computer and came down from my office and waited for about 3 to 4 minutes. A new 2D car suddenly appeared and Idrees Kamal was looking for me from window of vehicle. As I saw him I ran quickly towards him asking him that you people are only three along with driver Usman who was not known to me. He was a driver of rent a car and he was only having acquaintance with Idrees Kamal. Nazeef Khan a well known progressive nationalist politician from Hashtnagar Charsadda was also present in car. Nazeef Khan is General Secretary of National Party Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Upon seeing me Nazeef Khan was pleased very much and laughed. He welcomed me whole heartedly. I was also very much happy over the political and social activists like Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan. I asked him Idrees that Waqas was conspicuous by his absence. He replied that waqas was busy in taking his examination. Therefore he was restricted to go to Quetta. Waqas is from Buner and a student leader of Democratic Students Federation an affiliated body of National Party. We proceeded on our journey towards Kohat Road gossiping about other friends who were not there. Idrees had promised that he would engage some bigger vehicle to accommodate more and more friends and to take them to Quetta for oath taking ceremony of Dr. Malik CM Baluchistan. At Scheme chowk on Kohat Road Idrees bought few newspapers. We were reading them on the way and were discussing various social and ongoing political situations. As we came closer to Zangali(An area near FR Kohat), Idrees said that some hybrid melons were needed to purchase. We purchased hybrid melons and again proceeded. At one moment driver demanded for oil. We stayed at some petrol pump nearby. There Idrees bought peach juices for all of us. We enjoyed them very much. In Karak we stopped for a cup of tea and driver had to fill his CNG kit there. We had a cup of tea there and asked driver to leave the pump as there was a large queue of vehicle and we were getting late. Therefore we started our journey once again. When we reached DI Khan near by pass we filled the car with petrol and started going on by pass instead of main DIK where there was a lot of rush. So we avoided it because we knew that we had a great distance to cover. When we reached Drazinda FR DI Khan, a tribal region of FATA there my friend Atlas Khan sherani was waiting for us to receive us. He took us to his home where he served us with tea and chickens. Nazeef Khan demanded for bread. Atlas Khan brought it at once. When we had about one hour there again we proceeded on the condition that on way back we would again come to sherani and would have a night there. In FR DIK once again Idrees purchased water and juices for us. It was about 3 PM that we reached to Kohi Suleman. There we wanted to observe the rocks closely. I said to them that the same rocks were more than 60 millions of age. Because they were Paleozoic and its age was round about. It was like a geological museum. Idrees Kamal took mine and Nazeef Khan several pictures with rocks which had good strikes and dips. I asked him to post them on face book which was his dearest social media tool. Though I was the first one who taught Idrees Kamal about face book and latter he was so conversant with it that I was left several kilometers behind. When we reached Zhob a Pashtun dominated district of Baluchistan it was about 7 PM. There I insisted that we would go to the house of Sain Kamal Khan (Late) to offer condolence to his sons but Idrees Kamal flatly rejected it saying that they were already late. Nazeef Khan also agreed to what I was saying. Sain Kamal Khan was a Pashtun political intellectual and a leader of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami party of Mehmood Khan Achakzai. In Zhob we bought apricots and we ate them almost all. The payment was done by Idrees Kamal. In main city of Zhob we waited for Obaidullah Mandokhel whose Brother Farooq Mandokhel came to road to receive us. We went to their home where we had dinner and breakfast next day. Obaidullah Mandokhel is the son of late Pashtun political leader Mira Khan mndokhel. In Zhob city we went around the city and also visited fort sendamen. Idrees Kamal also took a picture of fort sendamen where he found that two deputy commissioners were sitting in same place. Deputy Commissioner of district Zhob and Deputy Commissioner of Sherani. I forbade him about the sensitivity of the area but even then he took photographs. There in Zhob we met Noor Muhammad Mandokhel and his other friends. We had a cup of tea with them. We enjoyed their political discussion. Noor Muhammad Mandokhel and Obaidullah Mandokhel are the friends of Altaf Bacha a political activist and a leader of National Party from Shahi Bala Peshawar. I got acquaintance with them through Idrees Kamal and Altaf Bacha. Noor Muhammaf frequently comes to Peshawar and spends many night s and days with Altaf Bacha. During his stay he meets many friends and discusses politics with them. He is a nice man. After spending one night in Zhob we proceeded towards Quetta in morning. Now Obaidulla Mandokhel also accompanied us. In car now we were three persons sitting in back seat while Idrees Kamal was in front seat along with driver Usman. Idrees Kamal was sitting in front seat in whole journey. On the way towards Quetta Obaidullah Mandokhel helped us showing different places. When we reached Qilla Saifullah There we had a cup of tea because we were very much tired. After taking tea again our driver sped his car. In main City of Qilla Saifuulah Idrees noticed a person names Khan Zaman Kakar who is a well known pashtun intellectual and writer. I did not remember that person but Idrees wanted to meet him and I also asked driver to stop so that we could meet Khan Zaman kakar. He was very much enthusiastic to see us in Qilla Saifullah.. He knew me but I was unable to recognize him soon. Latter on I knew him. There was a hot discussion between Nazeef Khan and Idrees Kamal on all the way about the plain areas coming in front of us. Idrees used to say that it would be looking very beautiful if the government had developed the area and built posh and modern colonies equipped with electricity, gas and other facilities like education and health for the welfare of the people while Nazeef Khan had a different version and used to say that it would be better if the government had made this area cultivable after digging canals and streams for the farmers to irrigate these plains. People could get grain, fodder and crops for them and their cattle, remarked Nazeef Khan in response to what Idrees said. After travelling a long distance at last we reached Kuchlok a town of Quetta. I do not remember the exact time but hopefully it was round about 6 PM. Idrees Kamal contacted Jan Muhammad Buledi a central leader of National Party and we straightly went to MPA hostel in Quetta. There we had a lunch and took some rest. Idrees Kamal went to Provincial Assembly of Baluchistan where Dr. malik was submitting his nomination papers for chief Minister of Baluchistan. Dr Malik received Idrees warmly and idrees was very much happy over this treatment. Latter on we were taken to Islamabad Hotel situated on Jinnah Road Quetta. It was a good hotel. There we had tea and then dinner. On Jinnah road we all roamed for some time and soon Obaidullah Mandokhel took us to a café on Jinnah Road where we found so many political activists sitting and sipping tea and were discussing political situations. We met a political figure of Quetta namely Ali Baran. He is General Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party and a member of central committee of PPP. He discussed many things with us concerning politics. Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan were not satisfied with this person. They wanted to avoid him. I liked him very much because he was a political worker. He was wearing a turban and sporting a long grey beard. He was very well versed in politics. Once again we came back to hotel and had a dinner there. Next day we went to Provincial Assembly where we attended vote of confidence session of members of provincial assembly. Chief Minister Dr. Malik addressed to his members and thanked them. It was a long session and almost all members had to talk because it was mandatory that all members would address provincial assembly. All my other friends had seats except me and I was fortunate enough that I got a place for standing in visitors’ gallery. Idrees was looking for me and at last he found me out and shook the hand to come to him. I got the place between Nazeef Khan and Idress Kamal. There was a great rush and people were not feeling easy due to weather condition. Idrees demanded for water but no one had water. Then he said to me that he was going out to bring water. When he did not come soon then I also went out of the assembly and went to MPA hostel where I found Idrees and driver Usman having lunch together. I also approached them and sat down with them started eating meal with them from same plate which was placing before them. In few moments Obaidullah Mandokhel, His brother Dr Afrasiyab Mandokhel who is a student of final year in Bolan Medical College Quetta along with Nazeef Khan also came to MPA hostel canteen. Idrees asked waiter to bring some salad to him but he refused saying that salad was no more available there in canteen. Obaidullah Mandokhel went to canteen and brought a plate full of salad. They all enjoyed it. Idrees said some murmuring with him then laughed. Probably he was angry with canteen management who had refused salad to him. After lunch we went back to Islamabad hotel and took some rest there. Idrees did enjoy little nap. When he got up he was very much fresh. We went to MPA hostel once again because we had to participate in oath taking ceremony of Chief Minister. It was about 6 PM that we went to Governor House situated on Zarghun Road Quetta. Vehicles were not allowed to Governor House that’s why we went there on foot and it was also a walking distance. We talked at length all the way. At governor house there was a great rush of dignitaries. There was also warmth. We sat in shadow of the building of governor House. In few moments Governor Baluchistan Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi along with Dr. Malik appeared and administered oath of chief Minister to CM Dr. Malik Baloch. Idrees was very busy in taking photographs of the entire events. At one time he called me to go near towards the tables where tea and some sweets were ready for guests. I went there along with him. I took simple tea without sugar and a piece of Rasgula but I felt some head ach suddenly when I had eaten half of it. Idrees took so many things and ate them all. Idrees called me to come closer to doctor Malik and he took a photo of mine with him. Then Nazeef Khan was called and he took his pictures with newly elected CM. In governor house he took our so many pictures. He also met there with Kazim Niaz home secretary Baluchistan and Zahir Shah Toru a leader of PPP and brother of Ihtisham Toru a journalist in Peshawar and a close friend of Idrees Kamal. In Governor House we met Raza Mohammad Raza who is a central leader of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. Nazeef Khan exchanged with him political views. We also met Inayatuulah Babat a member of Baluchistan Assembly and a leader of PMAP. Idrees Kamal took some of our pictures in Governor House Baluchistan and then it was getting little dark so we left the Governor House. Dr Malik had also asked Idrees Kamal not to go back soon to Peshawar. He was going to joint session of parliament in Islamabad and will meet you after tomorrow, Dr. Malik asked Idrees Kamal. Idrees and his delegation comprising Nazeef Khan, Zar Ali Khan, Obaidullah Mandokhel and his brother Dr. Afrasiab Mandokhel left governor house for MPA hostel. I along with Afraisiab Mandokhel and Obaidullah Mandokhel sat on lawn out side of MPA hostel while Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan went straight to hostel. After some time I received an SMS from him to come to room No.117 (If I am not wrong). We were reluctant to go to hostel because lawn was very pleasant and other friends were also not in favor of room. But I insisted on Obaidullah Mandokhel to go there. As we reached the room. It was very cold. I sat there for a while and there was a hot discussion on Pashto literature. I enjoyed it for a while but I felt some head ach and due to air-condition. I went to a side room and lay there on a bed. I was watching TV there and soon a cook came and asked me if I wanted a cup of green tea. I said to him that I needed it and I drank it. I asked Idrees Kamal to go back to hotel as we were tired. He said for a little wait. Soon a person of his party came and we went out of his room and drove towards hotel, Islamabad situated on Jinna Road. It was about 8.PM. We were hungry as well. I along with Nazeef Khan and Obaidullah khan sat for a while in my room and Idrees kamal sent a hotel boy to bring some ice for us because hotel had not the facility. Idrees Kamal went to his room and soon we joined again to have dinner. Here we again started discussion and I said to participants that idrees Kamal is a person who gave us this tour. He is sole Pashtun who worked day and night for promotion of peace and development on soil of Pashtun. Idrees was looking towards me seemed obliged because I could guess his eyes. He was feeling some inner pleasure by hearing what I was saying. On one moment Nazeef Khan said to me Friend you praised of Idrees Kamal very much and he deserved it. We ate together and after some time we went to our own rooms. It was about 10.30 PM. Obaidullah Mandokhel was my room mate while Nazeef Khan had another room. Idrees and his driver Usman were sharing one room. Early next morning Idrees Kamal knocked at my door and asked for getting up. I replied that it was off and wanted to have a rest. He again came to our room and said get up as we were getting late to go for a fateha of one of his friends deceased nephew in Kuchlak near Quetta. Meanwhile Ali Baran a friend of Obaidullah Khan also came to our room and I offered him breakfast. Soon Nazeef Khan appeared and started political discussion with Ali Baran. Idrees Kamal and Nazeef Khan had breakfasts in their respective rooms. All friends were healthy and sound. Idrees once again insisted to get hurry because they were getting late for Kuchlak. When we all were coming down on stairs we all looked in mirrors and happily came down. In entrance Idrees asked obaidullah that they have not got CNIC from the hotel management and so he went once again to hotel reception and brought his own and obaidullah CNIC from hotel management. Some one had parked his car near our car and it was not possible for us to get out. We all got angry over the foolishness of driver but Idrees was looking at us silently and smiling. Soon owner of the car appeared and we all talked angrily to him but Idrees said nothing to him. Idrees sat on the front seat while I, Obaidullah khan, Nazeef Khan and Ali Baran sat in rear. We started moving towards the Kuchlak. When we reached kuchlak we noticed that there was a scarcity of irrigation water and trees of different fruits seemed dry. We were very much disturbed over this condition. As we reached near the house of Amanullah Kansi where we had to offer Fatiha Idrees asked that he was feeling little indisposed of and said to driver stop, stop. Driver stopped car and he along with driver, and Nazeef Khan went out of it. He made some vomiting there and soon came back saying that he was not feeling well. Latter I was informed by Nazeef Khan that he and driver helped Idrees lifting his left leg to the car. In five minutes we reached the house of Kansi. He came out of the car confidently. We offered Fatiha there. About 20 persons were sitting there. Amanullah Kansi offered us some juice which we all drank and when he served it Idrees he rejected offer and said he needed water instead. Kansi asked Idrees, if he was feeling well. Idrees replied in negative saying that he was indisposed of. Soon he asked me to take him to an open place in room where he wanted to sleep. I took him with support and I was astonished as to what had happened to him. He asked me for more water which I served to him. I asked him friend do you have high or low blood pressure. He said that he was patient of high blood pressure. He demanded me to press his head. He was complaining that his right forehead was breaking. Then he asked help for wash room. I supported him to wash room in very bad condition. I asked him to help himself to stand up which he tried but could not. He tilted on one side and then on other. Then I lifted him from back and took him to bathroom. There he vomited as well as made urine and bowl. I cried to the driver to come immediately who came at once. Other people were looking but were not coming to bath room. I started washing his body and at one time laughed at him and said friend that your wife might have fled away to serve you. Upon hearing this he smiled little bit and nodded. Then I helped him putting on clean clothes which we got from the owner of the house. Now a local doctor was standing there who immediately started drop to Idrees Kamal. Soon we realized that he should be taken to a hospital. We brought him to Civil Hospital on Jinnah road. Where doctor advised us for a CT SCAN. We immediately took him to CT SCAN center which unfortunately was not available in hospital. Soon I informed Said Mukhtar Bacha President National Party Pashtunkhwa about his condition. His brothers were also informed. I tried to contact his brother Taimur Iqbal but his cell could not be contacted. I tried to contact Danyal A close relative of Idrees Kamal but his phone was also off. I wanted to put Idrees on line with them because at this time he could talk. In CT SCAN report we were informed that there was a slight brain hemorrhage and his one side was paralyzed. Hearing this as a heaven fell on our shoulders. Doctors advised not to take him any where because next 48 hours were important for him. Movement for him was harmful, said the doctors present in ICU of neuro surgery. Blood was also tested and results were negative. In hospital Amanullah Khan Kansi, Jan Mohammad Buledi spokesman Chief Minister Baluchistan, Ali Baran, Obaidullah Mandokhle , local doctor of Amanullah Kansi village(Name forgotten) and many friends of National party and development sector were present. I shuttled between hospital and medicine stores. Soon I contacted Dr. Ali Haider a neuro surgeon and our close friend in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar who talked at length on phone with a lady doctor present in ICU. When I said what I had observed to doctor Ali Haider he immediately replied that Idrees was paralyzed. He was very sorry for him and said that he had advised him prevention but he did not act upon his advice and that’s why he suffered today. Soon I realized that his condition was not good. He took a long sigh and said good bye to this mortal world leaving all his wishes and aspirations behind. Soon I got a call from Shazia Anjum widow of Idrees Kamal on Idrees Kamal cell and asked me as to how Idrees Kamal was feeling. I composed my self and said confidently that he would be all right in few moments. She asked me to bring her spouse alive for her but alas by the time he had left this world with so many wishes taking along with him to hereafter. I am sorry for a lie which I told Shazia Anjum widow of Idrees Kamal. Shazia your Idrees was no more in this world when you called me to bring him alive for you and your children. Once again I am sorry for not bringing your husband alive for you. This saddest news of a peace activist of not less than the caliber of Idrees Kamal spread like a jungle fire. I contacted Arshad Haroon regional Head of SPO-Peshawar who posted it on face book a social media very valued by Idrees kamal. Mukhtar Bacha and brothers of Idrees Kamal were also informed. Ayaz Mandokhel was informed who came from Khuzdar where he is a sitting Deputy Commissioner. He came along with his vehicle and escort. He came along with coffin to Peshawar by road which was very rocky and difficult but brought the body of Idrees Kamal to his village at about 12.00 noon due to a great rush on Kohat Road near Zangalay. On same day Idrees was buried in his ancestral graveyard along with his father and other relatives. May Almighty Allah Bless his soul and rest him in peace. Note: Ayaz Mandokhel Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar and a close friend of Idrees Kamal, His brother Niamatullah Khan Mandokhel, Obaidullah Khan Mandokhle, Nazeef Khan GS NP Pashtunkhwa, Dr. Afrasiab Mandokhle, Qadir Khan Mandokhel, A close friend of Ayaz Mandokhel and an officer in Local government in Quetta, Ali Baran, Amanullah Khan Kansi, His doctor, Dr. Ishaq Baloch, Jan Mohammad Buledi spokesman Chef Minister Baluchistan, Tehseenullah(Chief Executive Sap-PK), Arshad Haroon Regional Head SPO-Peshawar(Both sent their teams to hospital and asked for their assistance, Dr Ali Haider Neoro surgeon LRH Peshawar, Usman Driver of the car which took us to Quetta, Eidhi Welfare Foundation, National Party and many other individuals who helped us during our ordeal in Quetta. We are thankful to all of them. We are also grateful to all those who contacted me and my other friends and offered their condolences regarding the departure of Idrees Kamal. Regards Zar Ali Khan Afridi Executive Director Society for Rights and Development Chairman Tribal NGOs Consortium FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan) SF-118, Deans Trade Center, Peshawar Cantt, KPK-Pakistan+92-91-3015963337 tncfata@gmail.com