Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, the founder and commander of the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA), a separatist group that has claimed responsibility for multiple acts of terrorism. (Twitter)
by Arooba Hamid 15 April 2023
The Baloch separatist movement has been a long-standing challenge for Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where separatist groups have been targeting state agencies, security forces, and civilians for many years. In an intelligence-based operation, Pakistani security forces apprehended Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, who was founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA). Shambay has been linked with several terrorist attacks inside Balochistan and other parts of the Country.
Pakistan Army carried out Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, a comprehensive operation against terrorists in Balochistan and other parts of the country, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. Since its initiation in 2017, the Operation has been effective in dismantling terrorist networks and reducing violence in the country. Among the high-profile arrests made during the Operation was that of Shambay. He is responsible for several terrorist attacks, including the 2018 attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and two civilians.
The arrest of Gulzar Imam, a key terrorist commander is a big blow to the terrorist organizations and their handlers in Balochistan. Shambay’s arrest is also a big success for Pakistani intelligence agencies who captured a key person who was living under the wings of hostile foreign intelligence agencies. The BNA has been involved in several violent terrorist attacks across the country, including targeting the law enforcement agencies and their facilities located in Panjgur and Noshki. According to ISPR, the detained militant was instrumental in the establishment of the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and held the position of its operational chief. The statement highlighted that “his visits to Afghanistan and India are also on the record, while his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies are being investigated.”
The Baloch separatists have received support from hostile agencies who have been providing them with funds and weaponry. These people who work for hostile agencies, fulfil their agenda by misguiding the locals. The State and its institutions need to address this foremost challenge. It needs to step up its efforts in countering terror financing and terrorism. The Pakistani government should bridge the misunderstandings by reaching out to the indigenous people and build confidence amongst the masses.
Pakistan has been grappling with insurgency and terrorism in Balochistan for a long time, but it is essential to note that the state is not hostile towards Baloch sub-nationalists or any other dissidents. As a democratic country, Pakistan guarantees the rights of all citizens, including the right to peaceful protest and dissent. The government has been endeavoring to address the concerns of the Baloch sub-nationalists and other dissidents through dialogue and peaceful means.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is an exemplification of how the government is investing in infrastructure development in Balochistan to create job prospects and improve the overall economy of the region. Nonetheless, a few misguided elements within the Baloch sub-nationalist movement have resorted to violence and terrorism to accomplish their objectives. These individuals need to realign their perspective to recognize that violence and terrorism will not lead to a solution. Addressing their grievances through peaceful means and dialogues is crucial.
To foster development and prosperity in Balochistan, achieving peace in the province is imperative. The region is endowed with abundant natural resources, and its strategic location makes it an important hub for trade and commerce. To effectively engage the locals, it is essential to highlight the foreign interference in exploiting the fault lines. The ultimate goal is national integration and reconciliation, with peace being the key objective to foster a more prosperous Balochistan and a progressive Pakistan.
The writer is a Lahore-based independent researcher.