QUETTA: Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, the ex-leader of Baloch National Army (BNA), expressed his belief that the problems faced by Balochistan can be resolved without resorting to violence.
In a press conference held in Quetta on Tuesday, Shambay, the founder of the banned outfit BNA, urged the nation to refrain from engaging in futile fights and instead focus on peaceful means to address the issues.
Having been an active participant in the militancy in Balochistan for the past 15 years, Shambay, a hardcore militant, was apprehended in April during a successful intelligence operation, according to Inter-Services Public Relations.
BNA, responsible for numerous violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including assaults on law enforcement agencies (LEAs) installations in Panjgur and Noshki, was formed through the merger of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and the United Baloch Army (UBA).
During the press conference, the former BNA leader shared his reflections on his time as a militant, stating that his primary concern had always been the welfare of his people.
Shambay Says Balochistan’s Issues Need Political Resolution
Shambay revealed that while in detention, he had an opportunity to reevaluate his past experiences and came to the conclusion that Balochistan’s issues could only be resolved through legal and political means, as demonstrated by peaceful Baloch leaders leading various movements.
“I want to say something. We went into this war without understanding the state. I have lost several loved ones, but after these painful experiences, I learned that the path I was on was the wrong one,” Shambay expressed.
He called upon all militants to lay down their weapons and join a peaceful struggle for the rights of Balochistan, urging them to play a constructive role in the development of the province instead of wasting time in armed conflicts.
