Washington/Islamabad — In a recent article, the well-known US-based journal The Diplomat has stated that the United States should strongly support Pakistan’s efforts at the United Nations to have the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) designated as a terrorist organization.
According to the publication, the BLA and its so-called “Majeed Brigade” have become a persistent and significant threat to regional security, reportedly operating from safe havens in Afghanistan.
Pakistan and China have jointly approached the United Nations seeking diplomatic and financial isolation of the BLA at the global level. The article expressed surprise that although the United States itself has already designated the BLA and Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities, the UN listing process continues to face delays.
Threats to CPEC and Future Investment
The report further states that the BLA is no longer a localized group but has evolved into an organization capable of creating regional instability. It has repeatedly targeted China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Chinese nationals, and civilian and military installations in Pakistan.
The article notes that reliance on unilateral or limited measures could restrict available international tools to counter the group, adding that a more coordinated global response is needed to curb its facilitation networks.
“The facilitation of the BLA must be stopped through a balanced and effective international response,” the article quoted.
The journal also cautioned that since the United States has shown interest in Balochistan’s key mineral resources, future American investments and personnel in the region could also face potential risks from such militant threats.
Impact of UN Sanctions
The article further explains that a UN designation would lead to the freezing of assets and global travel restrictions on the group, significantly limiting its financial networks and international operations. It warned that failure to address this threat collectively at the global level could lead to further instability and destruction in the future.