70 colleagues and the top BNA commander lay down arms

The top commander of the proscribed militant group Baloch National Army (BNA), Sarfraz Bangulzai, along with 70 other associates, officially surrendered to the Pakistani state on Wednesday, expressing a desire to integrate into the national framework.
Bangulzai disclosed this development in the presence of Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai during a press conference held in Quetta on Wednesday. He accused New Delhi of financing unrest in the province and alleged the exploitation of women to incite young individuals to join the movement.
During the press conference, Bangulzai conveyed his concerns about the loss of Baloch's lives at the hands of fellow Baloch individuals. He emphasized that innocent lives had been sacrificed in the struggle against extortion, resulting in widespread fear among families and a heavy toll on the youth.
Providing a grim statistic, he mentioned that thousands of Baloch youth had lost their lives over the past two decades. Additionally, he highlighted a particularly tragic year, 2014, when 155 innocent Baloch people were killed for refusing to comply with extortion demands.
Reflecting on his role over the last 15 years, Bangulzai expressed deep regret, acknowledging the negative impact of his actions on the well-being of the Baloch people. Having seen firsthand the conditions during his service in Afghanistan, Bangulzai claimed that India finances terrorism and instability in Balochistan.
"I have personally witnessed how India provides funding for terrorists in Balochistan. The former BNA commander disclosed, "The so-called Baloch leaders abroad are living comfortable lives while our people suffer." He asserted that both the former and current Afghan administrations endorse Baloch separatist leaders, with sympathizers still present in the neighboring country.
“Indian funds have afforded [BNA] commanders a life of luxury. I realized that they are enemies of the state, prompting my decision to sever ties with the Baloch National Army,” Bangulzai explained.
Reflecting on his earlier career as a government employee in Balochistan's food department, where he owned a home and a car, he revealed how he was led astray by certain individuals in 2009.
“My life was stable until I was misled. I appeal to others to lay down their weapons and return to a normal life. We require a state policy for effective reintegration,” urged Bangulzai.
Regarding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six army officers, including Quetta Corps Commander Lt General Sarfraz Ali, he attributed it to a technical fault. He claimed to be a witness to the incident but pointed out that the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

 took responsibility under India’s directives. Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar welcomed the development, emphasizing that peace and stability remained the government's foremost priorities.
"The surrender of Sarfraz Bungulzai, also known as Mureed Baloch, the leader of the Baloch National Army (BNA), along with his associates and families, marks a highly positive development for Pakistan and Balochistan. This follows another significant reintegration effort in which Gulzar Imam Shambay, the former head of BNA, was arrested and successfully mainstreamed in the recent past," stated an official on his X handle.
"As we embrace peace through inclusivity, our state and institutions are advocating an accommodating approach, actively working to reintegrate estranged militants," added the official, highlighting the commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive peace strategy.
Prime Minister Kakar emphasized that this strategic move aims at achieving lasting peace, fostering understanding, and rebuilding communities. "Together, we pave the way for a harmonious and secure future for the next generations. I commend the efforts of our Law Enforcers and Intelligence Agencies, especially the ISI, for planning, executing, and leading this complex clandestine operation. May Allah be with you all! Ameen," he concluded.
In April, the founder of BNA, Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, was apprehended in a high-profile intelligence-based operation. Since Shambay's arrest, BNA attacks have significantly decreased, although other militant groups continue to operate in Balochistan.
During the occasion, Jan Achakzai stressed the importance of bridging misunderstandings and gaps, calling for the inclusion of disgruntled Baloch individuals into the national mainstream. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of PM Kakar and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir in addressing the issue. Achakzai specifically mentioned Gulzar Imam Shambay for facilitating negotiations, highlighting the collective agreement to resolve the problems faced by the Baloch population.
Furthermore, Achakzai expressed concerns about India's alleged attempts to exacerbate the situation in Balochistan, attributing the destruction of their land to the actions of external adversaries.