US Blacklists BLA, Majeed Brigade as Terrorist Groups

Pakistan has welcomed the US decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organisations. This counterterrorism move marks a major diplomatic success for Pakistan and reinforces its long-standing stance on the threat posed by these outfits. The keyword “Baloch Liberation Army” signals the focus of this significant security development.

US Decision and Pakistan’s Response

The US State Department announced the designations on Monday, describing them as part of President Donald Trump’s commitment to combat terrorism. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) promptly issued a statement appreciating the decision.

The FO noted that Pakistan had already banned the Majeed Brigade on July 18, 2024, while the BLA has been on the National Counter-Terrorism Authority’s list since 2006.

Record of Violence

The FO detailed the groups’ involvement in numerous attacks. The BLA claimed responsibility for the March Jaffar Express attack, which killed at least 26 hostages. In May, the Majeed Brigade carried out a suicide bombing on a school bus in Khuzdar, killing 10 people, including two students.

These groups also targeted international interests. In 2024, an attack near Karachi airport killed two Chinese nationals and a Pakistani. The Gwadar Port Authority Complex was also attacked, claiming the lives of eight soldiers.

Pakistan’s Commitment to Security

In its statement, the FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s position as a “steadfast bulwark” against terrorism. It highlighted that the nation’s sacrifices have brought not only domestic security but also regional and global stability. Pakistan pledged to eliminate terrorism in all forms and cooperate with the international community in addressing this shared threat.

Political Leaders Applaud the Move

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi hailed the US decision as a “major diplomatic victory” and thanked President Trump and his administration. He called it an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and said it paved the way for global action against these groups.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also welcomed the designation. Speaking in Hyderabad, he condemned the BLA and Majeed Brigade for targeting innocent civilians, especially laborers in Balochistan.

He recalled that during the India-Pakistan conflict, these groups openly supported Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Now the US has endorsed this point, which is a huge success for Pakistan,” he said. Bilawal stressed the need to also push for a United Nations designation to block international financing, especially from Indian intelligence networks.

Read: Mudslide in Gilgit-Baltistan Kills 7 Volunteers Repairing Damage

Role of Military Diplomacy

According to security sources quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to the US played a key role in shaping this outcome. They said his meetings exposed India’s alleged involvement in state-sponsored terrorism and secured greater international recognition of Pakistan’s security concerns.

The sources argued that the US decision directly resulted from Field Marshal Munir’s “successful military diplomacy.” They described the blacklisting of the BLA and Majeed Brigade as global validation of Pakistan’s counterterrorism narrative.

Historical Context of the Designations

Pakistan had previously requested the international listing of the Majeed Brigade. The BLA was already labelled a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group by the US in 2019 under Executive Order 13224, making it illegal for anyone in the US to support the militants. However, until now, the Majeed Brigade had not been included in the formal foreign terrorist organisation (FTO) list.

The FTO designation, under section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, carries significant consequences. It criminalises material support for the groups, freezes their assets under US jurisdiction, and restricts their members’ ability to travel internationally.

Implications for Regional Stability

Security officials warned that India’s alleged covert support for such militant outfits continues to threaten both regional and global peace. They emphasised that global cooperation is crucial to dismantle these networks and prevent future attacks.

The US decision strengthens Pakistan’s case for further international action against these groups. It also underscores the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in counterterrorism efforts.