Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The security forces successfully apprehended a high value target, Gulzar Imam alias Shambay in a high profile and a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO), lead by the intelligence agency, the military's media wing said on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), he has been a hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA), which came into being after amalgamation of 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 military's media wing said.
The statement said that 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 (BRAS) and remained its operational head," the ISPR said.
The statement added that Gulzar Imam's visits to Afghanistan and India are also on record, his linkages with hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs) are being investigated.
"The hostile intelligence agencies reportedly also tried to exploit him to work against the state of Pakistan and its national interests," the military's media wing said, adding that Gulzar Imam was apprehended after an innovatively conceived, carefully planned and meticulously executed operation, spanned over months over various geographical locations.
The statement further said that 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," the ISPR said.
