By: Mehlab Kambar (daughter of Ustad Wahid Kambar Baloch)
Baloch My father, Ustad Wahid Kambar, was aware of the concept of national consciousness from his school days. When he was a student at Karachi University, he wasn’t just an ordinary student but a visionary activist deeply committed to his mission. For him, education was not merely a means to obtain a degree but a pathway to prepare himself for the national struggle and the fight for national rights.
This vision always kept my father restless against the oppression and brutality inflicted on the Baloch nation. He was constantly striving to do something meaningful for his people. It was during his university years that he resolved to pursue knowledge with unwavering determination to become a pillar of resistance for his nation.
The 1970s proved to be a turning point in my father’s life. He joined the Baloch student movement, and through his and his friends’ efforts, a wave of political awareness spread among the Baloch youth. These endeavors instilled a sense of resistance and consciousness in the younger generation. Armed with a master’s degree in history and a strong political vision, he returned to Makran and began spreading his ideology of resistance throughout Balochistan.
As a teacher and mentor, Wahid Kambar’s commitment to his nation extended far beyond politics. For several years, he taught the children of his community for free in Tump. Alongside education, he continued his political struggle. During this time, he earned the title of “Ustad” (teacher), reflecting his deep dedication to educating and awakening the youth with national awareness.
By the early 1980s, Ustad Wahid Kambar’s political activities had expanded across various regions of Balochistan. He organized meetings and gatherings to raise awareness about the exploitation of Baloch resources and the systemic oppression faced by his people. Ustad firmly believed that the only way forward was resistance—against the occupier that sought to erase the identity and rights of the Baloch nation.
From the very beginning, my father’s priorities were clear: national survival and the preservation of identity. To protect these, he chose a path that many considered “madness.” This was especially true during a time when most people were disconnected from political matters, and politics had fallen into the hands of opportunists. However, Wahid Kambar’s unwavering commitment to Balochistan proved these notions wrong.
Even today, despite old age and numerous illnesses, my father remains steadfast in his mission to restore his nation’s lost identity. His journey, marked by perseverance, struggle, and sacrifice, continues to serve as a lasting symbol of hope and resistance for the Baloch nation. I am certain that my brave father stands firm even within the confines of imprisonment.
