Wadera Noor Ali Chakarani, a senior commander associated with the Baloch Republican Army (BRA), surrendered to authorities in Sui with more than 100 militants, according to local authorities.
The group laid down arms at Pakistan House Sui in Dera Bugti district and took oath of loyalty to Pakistan. The ceremony was presided over by Mir Aftab Ahmed Bugti, brother of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and was attended by tribal elders, local notables, youth and locals.
Those who surrendered had previously fought in the mountainous areas surrounding Dera Bugti. This development can be seen as an important step and could encourage other people still in hiding to return to their families and renounce violence.
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Sui City President Izzatullah Aman Bugti highlighted the government’s ongoing security and development initiatives, saying the surrender reflects “the tangible results of the government’s efforts to maintain peace in the region.” He said the government would continue to facilitate the reintegration of those who renounce violence.
The surrender draws parallels with other government-led disarmament and rehabilitation initiatives, such as the Sindh government’s Katcha bandit surrender policy, under which offenders were offered reintegration and, after serving their sentences where applicable, could be considered for government employment. In a ceremony under the policy, former bandits publicly laid down their weapons and appeared before police in new clothes – a contrast to previous viral videos showing them with weapons.
Learn more: BRA commander surrenders to government
As part of the surrender policy of the Sindh government, 72 bandits laid down their arms before the police in a ceremony in Shikarpur police lines. Sindh Interior Minister Zia Lanjar, the chief guest at the event, said the provincial government had adopted both a policy of surrender and an aggressive policing strategy to tackle Katcha gangs. He also referred to international precedents, such as calls by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for his activists to continue their political engagement.
Government officials said the development of Dera Bugti was part of ongoing reconciliation and security efforts aimed at encouraging militants to reintegrate into society while supporting peace and development in Balochistan.
