Former Pakistan Army captain Rehman Gul takes charge as Baloch Liberation Army chief: Report

详细摘要

Rehman Gul previously served as captain in the Pakistan Army and took part in operations against Pakistani Taliban in Waziristan. | World News

The Baloch Liberation Army named Rehman Gul, also known as Mureed, as its new chief on Saturday, following a change in leadership carried out under the supervision of the organisation’s Senior Command Council, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

Gul’s past is linked to the very military establishment he is now fighting against. He previously served as captain in the Pakistan Army and took part in operations against Pakistani Taliban in Waziristan. Around 16 years after quitting military service, he has emerged as the head of an armed movement challenging Islamabad.

An earlier report by TBP had informed about the leadership transition in BLA with Bashir Zeb Baloch stepping down as its commander-in-chief and all administrative, military and policymaking powers being transferred to its Senior Command Council.

According to a statement issued by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, Gul’s appointment was finalised through a unanimous decision by the Senior Command Council following consultations. The selection also received the “full endorsement” of the organisation’s top leadership and its commanders, the report added.

Before his elevation, Gul held positions in the BLA’s Senior Command Council and led its Mujeed Brigade. The organisation also highlighted his experience in several important command roles over the years.

Commenting on the change at the top, the BLA said the organisation’s “struggle for national liberation will continue with renewed vigour and full intensity” under Gul’s leadership, the report further mentioned.

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Bashir Zeb Baloch, a former chairman of the Baloch Students Organisation-Azad (BSO-Azad) from Nushki, had succeeded Aslam Baloch, who was killed in a suicide attack in December 2018.

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