Balochistan's problems can be resolved without violence: Ex-BNA commander

• "People should not waste their time fighting," Gulzar Imam says.
• "We went into this war without understanding the state," he says.
• He is the founder of the banned outfit Baloch National Army.

QUETTA: Baloch National Army's (BNA) ex-leader Gulzar Imam alias Shambay said Tuesday that Balochistan's problems can be resolved peacefully and urged the nation to not waste its time in fighting.

"I have, for the past 15 years, been part an active part of the militancy in Balochistan," Shambay, the founder of the banned outfit BNA told a press conference in Quetta alongside government officials.

Shmbay, a hardcore militant, was apprehended in April during a high-profile and successful intelligence operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations had said.

Shambay's BNA — responsible for dozens of violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan including attacks on law enforcement agencies (LEAs) installations in Panjgur and Noshki — had been formed after the amalgamation of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).

In his presser, the ex-BNA leader said he has "faced all circumstances".

"I was arrested recently and during my detention, I got time to think about my past from a new perspective," Shambay said.

The former BNA commander said after meeting Baloch leaders who lead peaceful movements, he has concluded that his province's issues can only be resolved through legal and political means.

"I want to say something. We went into this war without understanding the state. I have lost several loved ones, but after these painful experiences, I learned that the path I was on was the wrong one."

The BNA founder urged all militants to put down their weapons and join a peaceful movement for Balochistan's rights. "Stop wasting your time fighting. Play your peaceful role in Balochistan's development."

Shambay blamed militant organisations for Balochistan's deprivation but hoped that the state would play its role and give the militants a "second chance" if they law down their weapons.

He also apologised to all the people who lost their families in the "war".

In the same press conference, Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langu said the people who wish to "play with state institutions" would be shown no mercy.