Baloch Republican Army commander, over 100 militants surrender in Dera Bugti

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 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 residents.

Those who surrendered had previously been active in militancy in the mountainous areas surrounding Dera Bugti. The development can be seen as a significant step and said it could encourage others still in hiding to return to their families and renounce violence.

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Sui Town Chairman 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 reintegration for 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 offenders were offered reintegration and, after serving sentences where applicable, could be considered for government employment. At a ceremony under that policy, former bandits publicly laid down arms and appeared before the police in new clothes — a contrast to earlier viral videos showing them with weapons.

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Under the Sindh government’s surrender policy, 72 bandits laid down their arms before the police at a ceremony in Shikarpur Police Lines. Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar, the chief guest at the event, said the provincial government had adopted both a surrender policy and an aggressive policing strategy to tackle Katcha gangs. He also referenced international precedents, such as appeals by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for militants to pursue political engagement.

Government officials said the Dera Bugti development is part of ongoing reconciliation and security efforts aimed at encouraging militants to reintegrate into mainstream society while supporting peace and development in Balochistan.