The Pakistan Army has successfully neutralized a high-profile commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), known as “Shankar Raj” alias Zohair, in a swift and decisive counter-terrorism operation. The development marks a significant blow to militant networks operating in Balochistan and underscores the security forces’ continued resolve to dismantle terrorism in all its forms.
According to security sources, the eliminated militant was the chief architect behind the recent attempted bank robbery in Kharan, an operation that was foiled by security forces only days earlier. During that encounter, more than a dozen terrorists were killed on the spot, preventing what could have been a major act of terror and financial crime.
The individual’s real name was Zohair; however, he had adopted the alias “Shankar Raj,” reportedly inspired by a Bollywood character, as part of his effort to cultivate a fearsome persona within criminal and militant circles. Over time, he emerged as one of the most brutal and active operatives of the BLA, with a long history of involvement in terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and organized crime.
Security officials state that Zohair was not merely a narcotics trafficker but also a habitual user of crystal methamphetamine, which he reportedly consumed in a manner intended to accelerate absorption into the bloodstream. This behavior was viewed by investigators as reflective of the extreme violence, recklessness, and lack of restraint that characterized his operational conduct.
In the Kharan district, the militant was linked to numerous acts of terror that targeted both civilians and state institutions. He was reportedly wanted in connection with 21 murder cases and faced serious allegations involving the sexual assault of 17 Baloch women, crimes that deeply traumatized local communities and fueled fear across the region.
Further investigations revealed that Shankar Raj alias Zohair was in possession of multiple identity documents allegedly originating from India, Afghanistan, and Iran, highlighting the transnational dimensions of militant networks and raising serious concerns about cross-border facilitation and support.
Military and security officials emphasized that this operation reflects the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives, dignity, and property of citizens. The elimination of such a high-value target is expected to significantly disrupt terrorist logistics, financing, and command structures in the area.
The Pakistan Army reaffirmed that operations against terrorists, their facilitators, and criminal accomplices will continue until peace, stability, and the writ of the state are fully restored in Balochistan and across the country.
