In a significant development in Balochistan, two of the most-wanted terrorist commanders, Najeebullah alias Darwaish and Abdul Rasheed alias Kamash, have voluntarily surrendered and laid down their weapons.
The two commanders made the announcement during a joint press conference in Quetta on Friday, attended by provincial ministers and the DIG of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Both men expressed their decision to join the national mainstream and abandon the insurgent cause.
Speaking to the media, Najeebullah expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Army for providing him the opportunity to reintegrate into society. He revealed that his disillusionment with the so-called Baloch liberation movement led him to abandon the armed struggle. “Seeing the true motives of the handlers removed the blindfold of so-called freedom from my eyes,” he stated. “What we once believed to be a fight for freedom has, in reality, become nothing more than gang wars.”
Najeeb also shared the grim realities of life in the insurgency, revealing that the fighters in the mountains were often without basic necessities. “The so-called fighters don’t even have two proper meals a day, while the terrorist commanders live lavishly abroad, indifferent to our suffering,” he added. “Our future and security lie in the welfare of the state, not in the false promises of insurgent leaders.”
In a similar vein, Abdul Rasheed alias Kamash shared his regrets about the path he had chosen. He revealed that he was coerced into the insurgency by promises of money and weapons from outside handlers. “Commander Miraj told me to fight against the army, offering Rs 100,000 and a motorcycle as incentives,” Rasheed said. “I now regret having taken that path.”
Provincial Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, who was also present at the press conference, condemned the ongoing terrorism in Balochistan. He described it as a “heinous game” that has been exacerbated by terrorist groups exploiting misguided youth. “Individuals who are fighting against their own institutions must return to the right path,” Buledi stated. “The surrender of these two key commanders is a step in the right direction. The government welcomes them back into the fold and will continue to provide support to those who wish to abandon terrorism and reintegrate into society.”
Minister Buledi also pointed out that terrorist organizations have led many young Baloch into the quagmire of violence, and the government is committed to guiding them toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
