RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's armed forces apprehended a high-value target (HVT) Gulzar Imam alias Shambay during a high-profile and successful intelligence operation conducted by an intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Friday.
Gulzar Imam, according to the military's media wing, has been a hardcore militant as well as the founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA) — which came into being after the amalgamation of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).
"BNA had been responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on law enforcement agencies (LEAs) installations in Panjgur and Noshki," the ISPR said.
The statement mentioned that Gulzar Imam also remained as deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in Baloch Republican Army (BRA) till 2018.
The military's media wing stated that the apprehended militant was also instrumental in the formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and remained its operational head.
"His visits to Afghanistan and India are also on the record; his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs) are being investigated," it stated.
The ISPR further mentioned that reportedly, the hostile agencies also tried to exploit him to work against the state of Pakistan and its national interests.
"He was apprehended after an innovatively conceived, carefully planned and meticulously executed operation, that spanned months over various geographical locations," the statement read.
"The arrest of Gulzar Imam Shambay is a serious blow to BNA as well as other militant groups, which have been attempting to destabilise the hard-earned peace in Balochistan.
"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," the military's media wing said.
Public, private education centres to remain closed tomorrow owing to "law and order situation"
Former ruling party pursuing agenda of "violence" to start "politics of dead bodies", says Punjab minister
Belarusian president to hold extensive talks with PM Shehbaz and discuss areas of bilateral cooperation, says FO
Third meeting of JCP under 26th Constitutional Amendment held with CJP Yahya Afridi in the chair
Former first lady says protest march to continue until Imran Khan's release
Couple does wedding photoshoot in front of containers as whole city has been shut down
