The leader and founder of the banned Baloch National Army (BNA), Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, was arrested in a high-profile intelligence-based operation by the security forces, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday. The 'high-value target' has been 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)", read the statement. Gulzar also remained as "deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in Baloch Republican Army (BRA) till 2018 and was instrumental in the formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its operational head", according to the statement. Read Baloch exiled leaders, militants urged to hold talks"His visits to Afghanistan and India are also on record; his linkages with Hostile Intelligence Agencies (HIAs) are being investigated," ISPR added. It further stated that hostile intelligence agencies "tried to exploit Gulzar Imam to work against Pakistan and its national interests".

Source: The Express Tribune April 07, 2023 21:05 UTC