Pakistan Applauds US Decision on BLA and Majeed Brigade

The government of Pakistan expressed its appreciation on Tuesday for the United States’ determination to classify the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The US also designated the latter as an alias to the BLA’s existing specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) status.

In an official statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Pakistan had already proscribed Majeed Brigade as a terrorist group on July 18, 2024.

The FO statement emphasized that “BLA/Majeed Brigade has been implicated in numerous terrorist incidents within Pakistan, notably the tragic Jaffer Express and Khuzdar bus attacks, which resulted in significant loss of life.”

“Pakistan stands resolutely against terrorism. Our efforts have yielded substantial counter-terrorism successes, benefiting not only our nation but also contributing to regional stability and global security,” the statement continued.

The statement further conveyed Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding its populace and eradicating terrorism in all its manifestations. “We remain dedicated to collaborating with the international community to address this mutual challenge.”

US Secretary Marco Rubio stated that this action highlights the commitment of the US administration to counter terrorism.

He further added, “Terrorist designations are vital in our fight against this scourge and serve as an effective means to restrict support for terrorist operations.”

These designations, enacted under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended, will be effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti responded to the development by commending the US State Department’s decision to recognize the BLA as a foreign terrorist organization. In a statement shared on his social media account, he said, “We welcome the US decision to designate the BLA and its alias Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities.”

The statement further noted, “Credit [goes] to the federal government and Field Marshal Asim Munir for effectively presenting Pakistan’s position to the US administration.”

Bugti remarked that these factions have long perpetrated violence under false pretenses. He concluded, “Terrorism is terrorism; there is no justification for killing civilians. The world must unite to end this menace.”