From Student Activist to BLA Commander: The Rise of Bashir Zaib

• Bashir Zaib, former student activist, now leads the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and is behind recent attacks on Pakistani forces.
• Zaib, with a background in mechanical engineering and Balochi literature, transitioned to the BLA in 2012 after crackdowns on student politics.
• Under his command, the BLA has intensified its campaign, targeting Pakistani forces and Chinese-linked projects, including suicide operations.
• A viral video of Zaib on a motorcycle drew comparisons to the film character Hamza from Dhurandhar, amplifying his public profile.
• The BLA's Operation Herof Phase 2, a coordinated offensive, highlights rising violence in Balochistan amid demands for autonomy.