ISLAMABAD: Following a significant diplomatic achievement in Washington, Pakistan is set to approach the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a request to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as terrorist organizations.
The United States officially listed the Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity late Tuesday, adding to the BLA, which was designated in 2019. This development represents a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan and could boost the morale of its security forces as they prepare to intensify operations against these groups.
The Majeed Brigade, the deadliest faction of the BLA, is known for its use of suicide attacks—a rare tactic among secular militant organizations—and has reportedly deployed female bombers against military convoys and installations.
A diplomatic source told The News that Pakistan intends to raise the matter at the UNSC, noting that Washington’s recent designation provides an opportune moment. Pakistan’s role as vice-chair of the UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee further enhances its leverage and access to key decision-makers.
However, the source cautioned that the process could be lengthy, and immediate action should not be expected. In previous cases, groups such as Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leader Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were eventually added to the UNSC’s terror list—but only after years of effort, often delayed by China in response to Indian proposals.
Diplomats remain optimistic that Pakistan is well-positioned to achieve a similar outcome this time, though the risk of a veto—possibly to appease India—remains. Paradoxically, Indian opposition could weaken its stance, as resistance might be interpreted as implicit support for Baloch militants.
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For over two decades, Pakistan has faced a growing insurgency in Balochistan, with India frequently accused of backing unrest in the region. The capture of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan highlights ongoing tensions. Pakistan has repeatedly raised these concerns at international forums. Earlier this year, during clashes with India in May, the BLA openly expressed support for India and offered full cooperation.
The US not only designated these groups as terrorist organizations but also pledged to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, particularly targeting outlawed outfits like the BLA. The explicit naming of the BLA in a joint statement following the latest round of counterterrorism dialogue signals a likely coordination between the two countries in upcoming operations.
“Both delegations emphasized the critical importance of developing effective approaches to terrorist threats, including those posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan,” the statement read.