The arrest of terrorist Gulzar Imam Alias Shambay was a watershed moment in the ongoing war against militancy in Baluchistan. Shambay was an active and prominent member of the terrorist group and was also involved in various attacks. He was the mastermind of attacks on military installations. His capture by law enforcement agencies set the stage for a renewed focus on reconciliation and national integration of the province.

Gulzar Imam Alias Shambay’s arrest has also allowed other non-state actors to become part of mainstream politics by giving away militancy.

Also, more disgruntled elements who fought against the state have left militant organizations to become part of the system for the province’s development. The arrest of Shambay sent shockwaves through the BNA, creating a leadership vacuum and triggering internal conflicts over resources and finances. His rise and subsequent fall were akin to thriller novels, with his dramatic confession before a room filled with media persons in Quetta acknowledging his past misguidance. Shambay’s pivotal role in uniting various militant groups under the BNA meant that his absence led to the group’s rapid disintegration.

The case of Sarfaraz Bangulzai’s surrender and his men showcased the state’s willingness to embrace those seeking peace and unity. This reconciliation weakened the insurgency and sent a powerful message to other militants about the benefits of laying down arms. Another notable development was the death of Nawaz Ali Rind, a commander of BLF, due to infighting within the group, further fracturing the insurgent landscape.

These developments have reignited a sense of shared identity and belonging among the province’s people. Now, many terrorists are seeing their future in the province as peaceful citizens. It is a good omen that the people of Baluchistan have identified the real culprits who played with the development of the province by attacking security forces and innocent people. Those non-state actors used the name of the province at the behest of hostile elements and also maligned the Pakistani government and armed forces. But the time is up for them now. The brave people of the province won’t tolerate such elements.

The state has recognized the challenges the locals face and the harm inflicted by misguided dissidents. Federal and provincial governments, with the help of the armed forces, are offering opportunities for success, including improved access to education and employment to youth. They are taking all necessary steps according to the whims and wishes of the Baloch people.

The actions of LEAs and border management mechanisms at the Pak-Afghan border have significantly improved the province’s security situation, making it tough for anti-state elements to cross the border.

Shambay’s arrest called for reconciliation by the state for dissidents to return to the mainstream and contribute to a peaceful environment, which proved to help mitigate and curb the challenges in the province.

Baloch people are standing shoulder to shoulder with the government and armed forces to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism. Patriotic Baloch individuals stand united against anarchists by being agile, festive, and collective, coordinating effectively with security forces and intelligence agencies. This unity aims to deny space to those who seek to disrupt the peace and stability of Balochistan.

Still, a few anti-Pakistan elements are maligning our government and armed forces over flimsy grounds. But people have exposed them. These non-state elements have been using multi-pronged strategies to exploit various issues in the province, such as tarnishing the image of Pakistan’s image locally and internationally. These elements also attack foreign nationals and projects in the province to fulfill the agenda of hostile elements.

Likewise, Shamabay’s arrest could have been an excellent conclusion to the first act, but much work remains to be done. It is high time that the state sits with the locals and carves out a fool-proof plan to materialize reconciliation and national integration and address the region’s challenges.

All stakeholders must work together towards a peaceful and prosperous future for Balochistan, embracing diversity and inclusivity.

The State of Pakistan seems to have recognized the challenges faced by locals in Balochistan and the harm inflicted by misguided dissidents. Through various initiatives, the government offers opportunities for success, such as access to education, employment, and the exploration of mineral resources. These measures aim to bring prosperity to Balochistan and uplift its residents.