Sarfraz Ahmed Bungulzai, a commander affiliated with the banned militant group Baloch National Army (BNA), declared his surrender on Wednesday along with 70 associates. The announcement took place in Quetta during a press conference attended by provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai.
Bungulzai expressed that he initially believed his armed struggle was for the rights of the Baloch people, but later realized it was serving personal interests at the expense of Baloch lives. He implicated India in various conspiracies and stated that he and his associates had decided to join the national mainstream.
Highlighting the loss of innocent lives, he mentioned an incident in 2014 where 155 Baloch were killed in Awaran for refusing to pay extortion money. He attributed the violence to foreign agendas and claimed that the Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-Sangar (BRAS) had falsely claimed responsibility for a helicopter crash on India’s command.
Bungulzai encouraged the youth to renounce violence, advising parents to prioritize education over guns. He thanked the state for welcoming him and urged the government to create a pathway for others seeking integration into the national mainstream.
Earlier in the year, Gulzar Imam, the alleged founder of BNA, was arrested, expressing a willingness to assist the government in negotiating with disgruntled Baloch militants. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasized that “peace and stability” were the government’s top priorities. He welcomed Bungulzai’s surrender, noting it followed the arrest and mainstreaming of Shambay.
PM Kakar praised the government’s inclusive approach, actively working to reintegrate militants and fostering understanding for lasting peace. He appreciated the efforts of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, specifically acknowledging the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for planning and executing the clandestine operation.
