PM felicitates ISI for brilliant operation against BNA leader

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday felicitated ISI for carrying out a brilliant operation that resulted in the arrest of the leader of Baloch National Army (BNA).

Taking to Twitter, he said this operation speaks of outstanding professionalism of our institutions. He said the arrest will help suppress militancy in Balochistan and usher in a new era of peace.

Heartfelt felicitations to ISI for carrying out a brilliant operation that resulted in the arrest of BNA's founder. This operation speaks of outstanding professionalism of our institutions. The arrest will help suppress militancy in Balochistan & usher in a new era of peace.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2023

A day earlier, the security forces successfully apprehended a high value target, Gulzar Imam alias Shambay in a high profile and a successful intelligence operation, lead by the intelligence agency.

According to ISPR, he has been a hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army, which came into being after amalgamation of Baloch Republican Army and United Baloch Army.

Baloch National Army had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on law enforcement agencies installations in Panjgur and Noshki.

Gulzar Imam also remained as Deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in Baloch Republican Army till 2018.

He was instrumental in formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar and remained its operational head.

Gulzar Imam's visits to Afghanistan and India are also on record, his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies are being investigated.

The hostile intelligence agencies reportedly also tried to exploit him to work against the state of Pakistan and its national interests.

Gulzar Imam was apprehended after an innovatively conceived, carefully planned and meticulously executed operation, spanned over months over various geographical locations.

The arrest of Gulzar Imam Shambay is a serious blow to Baloch National Army as well as other militant groups, which have been attempting to destabilize the hard-earned peace in Balochistan.

Apprehension of a militant leader of this stature demonstrates the capability and resolve of law enforcement agencies to uproot the menace of terrorism as well as speaks volumes about the successes garnered through supreme sacrifices of unsung heroes.