Wadera Noor Ali Chakarani, a senior commander associated with the Baloch Republican Army (BRA), surrendered to authorities in Sui along with more than 100 militants, according to local officials.
The group laid down their weapons at Pakistan House Sui in Dera Bugti district and took an oath of allegiance 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 residents.
Those who surrendered had previously been involved in militancy in the mountainous areas surrounding Dera Bugti. This can be seen as a significant step and could encourage others 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 and said the surrender reflects “the tangible results of the government’s efforts to maintain peace in the region.” He said the government will 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 surrender policy for Katcha bandits, under which criminals were offered reintegration and, after serving sentences where applicable, could be considered for government jobs. In a ceremony under that policy, the former bandits publicly laid down their weapons and appeared before police in new clothes, in contrast to previous viral videos showing them with weapons.
Read more: BRA commander surrenders to the government
Under the Sindh government’s surrender policy, 72 bandits laid down their arms before the police in a ceremony at Shikarpur police lines. Sindh Home 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 confront the Katcha gangs. He also referenced international precedents, such as calls by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for militants to seek political compromise.
Government officials said the development of Dera Bugti is part of ongoing reconciliation and security efforts aimed at encouraging militants to reintegrate into mainstream society while supporting peace and development in Balochistan.
