The security forces in a high-profile and successful intelligence operation have arrested the most-wanted militant in Balochistan which was a major setback for terror groups operating in the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The military’s media wing, ISPR, in a statement issued on Friday, said that Gulzar Shambay was among the founding leaders of Balochistan National Army (BNA) which came into being after amalgamation of Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).

The well-coordinated operation spanned over months was led by country’s top intelligence agency culminating into netting the high-value target.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Gulzar Imam has been a hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA), which had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including strikes on installations of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Panjgur and Naushki.

Gulzar Imam Shambay had also remained as deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in Baloch Republican Army (BRA) till 2018. 

Shambay was also instrumental in formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its operational head. His visits to Afghanistan and India were also on record; his links with hostile intelligence agencies are being investigated.

Shambay had visited India in December 2017 on an Afghani passport with the name of Gul Naveed.

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

The ISPR said that Shambay was apprehended after an innovatively conceived, carefully planned and meticulously executed operation, spanned over months over various geographical locations.

The ISPR statement said that the arrest of Shambay is a serious blow to BNA as well as other militant groups, which have been attempting to destabilize the hard-earned peace in Balochistan.

The ISPR said that apprehension of a militant leader of this stature demonstrates the capability and resolve of LEAs to uproot the menace of terrorism as well as speaks volumes about the successes garnered through supreme sacrifices of unsung heroes.

Reporter Ahmad Mansour