Gilgit-Baltistan police on Wednesday announced the arrest of 12 members of the nationalist Balawaristan National Front (BNF) on charges of anti-state activities.

GB's Inspector General Police Zafar Iqbal Aiwan during a press briefing claimed the 12 arrested were trying to "promote an anti-national ideology" and had "played into the hands of foreign agencies".

"The BNF came into being in 1995. The head of the BNF, Abdul Hamid, is in Belgium and he has, while sitting there, built and international and domestic network," the IGP said.

The GB police chief alleged that RAW had provided funding to the BNF, which police suspect of carrying out 'terrorist activities', and 'sabotaging' the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

IGP Aiwan said a Rs300-350 million money trail was also uncovered which he said was linked to the purchase of weapons and properties.

"The money reached here through various clandestine means," he claimed.

Police also claimed to have recovered arms, including eight Kalashnikovs, three 12-gauge shotguns, one 7mm firearm, and one .32 calibre revolver from the suspects, in addition to a rifle sight and 35 cartons of material they termed 'anti-Pakistan literature'.

When contacted, the BNF declined to comment on the development.