[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]RAWALPINDI: Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, the leader and founder of the banned Baloch National Army (BNA), was arrested in a high-profile intelligence-based operation by the security forces, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.
According to the statement, the ‘high-value target’ was a “hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA), which came into being after the amalgamation of Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).”
According to the military’s media wing, the BNA is responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including attacks on law enforcement (LEA) installations in Panjgur and Noshki.
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According to the statement, Gulzar also served as “deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) until 2018 and was instrumental in the formation of the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its operational head.”
“His visits to Afghanistan and India are also documented, and his connections with hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs) are being investigated,” ISPR added. It went on to say that hostile intelligence agencies “tried to exploit Gulzar Imam in order to work against Pakistan and its national interests.”
“He was apprehended following an innovatively conceived, meticulously planned, and meticulously executed operation that spanned months and multiple geographical locations.”
It went on to say that Gulzar’s arrest is “a serious blow to the BNA as well as other militant groups that have been attempting to destabilise Balochistan’s hard-won peace.”
According to the ISPR, the “arrest of a militant leader of this stature demonstrates the capability and resolve of LEAs to uproot the menace of terrorism” and “speaks volumes about the successes gained through supreme sacrifices of unsung heroes.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]