ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable and unprecedented intelligence operation, Baloch extremist Gulzar Imam Shambay has been apprehended by Pakistan’s elite agency, the ISI. Shambay’s journey from being a member of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) to forming the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) and organizing thousands of terrorists is an intriguing tale that resembles a movie plot.
Gulzar Imam Shambay, a Baloch extremist, has been arrested in a significant intelligence operation carried out by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release on April 7, 2023.
Shambay, born in Panjgur, started his ideological and militancy activities from the BSO militant group’s platform in 2002. During his student days, Shambay joined the extremist organization BRA.
However, in 2018, when BRA, United Baloch Army, and BLA split, he parted ways with BRA and, alongside Sarfaraz Bengalzai, formed the Baloch Nationalist Army, becoming a prominent figure in the organization.
Under his leadership, the group grew to become an organized army of 7,000, with Shambay indoctrinating Baloch youth.
The story takes an extraordinary turn with the historic operation conducted by the ISI’s Markhor unit, which spanned 393 days. Gulzar Imam was hiding in a neighboring country, and the ISI meticulously planned and executed the operation, involving Markhor spies stationed in 11 countries and utilizing 1,400 forged documents.
Through land, air, and sea routes, Shambay was transported to a third country, where he was finally apprehended and brought back to Pakistan. This unparalleled operation involved over 21,000 hours of practical activities and stands as a testament to the elite agency’s capabilities.
Gulzar Imam Shambay, reflecting on his past, expresses regret and seeks forgiveness. Recognizing that the Baloch separatists’ ideological goals cannot be achieved through warfare, he now hopes for mercy from the state. The future remains uncertain as to whether the state will embrace its regretful sons, as a mother would, but time will ultimately reveal the path chosen.
Gulzar Imam Shambay’s Arrest Causes Stir Among Baloch Terrorist Organizations
The news of his arrest has caused a stir among Baloch terrorist organizations, highlighting the effectiveness and grasp of the state, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), and intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, in dealing with the challenges posed by the militant landscape.
The arrest of Gulzar Imam Shambay signifies a clear understanding of the intricate web of militant outfits operating in Balochistan and their connections with hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs). It demonstrates that the state, LEAs, and intelligence agencies are fully aware of the complexities involved and possess a firm grip on the situation.
This success, along with the recent arrest of Mahal Baloch, indicates that armed sub-nationalist groups have lost the confidence of the general public, who now wholeheartedly trust the security forces (SFs) and civil LEAs.
Counter-insurgency operations in Balochistan are becoming increasingly successful due to the unwavering support of the public towards the SFs and intelligence agencies, as well as the valuable information provided by locals.
The arrest of Mahal Baloch and Gulzar Imam Shambay further highlights the pivotal role played by local individuals in assisting LEAs and intelligence agencies in their efforts to combat militancy. These operations reflect a growing trend towards suppressing militancy in the region and achieving the desired results through a comprehensive national approach.
The intra-group and inter-group rivalries among militant organizations, especially within the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), such as the Majeed Brigade and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), are likely to impact the morale of other militant groups. This infighting may further weaken the overall capacity and effectiveness of these organizations.
It is crucial to shed light on the stark contrast between the living standards of Baloch sub-nationalist leadership residing abroad and the average fighter on the ground. This disparity exposes the exploitation of the Baloch nationalist narrative by certain leaders and highlights the need for the Baloch people to confront these elements and reclaim their true vision for Balochistan.
The state remains powerful, resolute, and committed to upholding the law of the land. While acknowledging the plight of locals in Balochistan and the harm caused by misguided dissidents, the state plays a motherly role, seeking to bridge misunderstandings and build confidence among the masses, particularly in Balochistan. Peace in Balochistan is the real game-changer, and the ultimate objective is integration and reconciliation for a prosperous Balochistan and Pakistan.
The people of Balochistan, as the true owners of the province, will not allow anarchists working at the behest of foreign agencies to hijack the misinterpreted narrative of Baloch nationalism. It is essential to positively engage the youth by highlighting the role of HIAs in fueling and exploiting existing fault lines. Those who have been misguided need to realign themselves with ground realities.
