Asif Mahmood
On 11 August 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the following statement:
“ Today, the Department of State is designating The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA’s previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation.
BLA was designated as an SDGT in 2019 following several terrorist attacks. Since 2019, BLA has claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including by the Majeed Brigade. In 2024, BLA claimed it had committed suicide attacks near the airport in Karachi and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. In 2025, BLA claimed responsibility for the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 civilians and security personnel and holding hostage over 300 train passengers.
Today’s action taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering terrorism. Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities.
Today’s actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224, as amended. FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.”
Marco Rubio’s statement represents the US official stance. We are also well aware of the designation by the U.S. Administration of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). BLA remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2006 and in recent times has carried out several terrorist attacks in the country. It is hoped that this designation will ensure that BLA’s space to operate is minimized. It is important that the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and external sponsors including those glorifying these acts of terror against Pakistan are held accountable and brought to justice.
There is now a growing need to translate this position into practical and visible action rather than leaving it at the level of diplomatic statements. The United States has already designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization, a step that reflects a clear assessment of the group’s involvement in violent activities. This is not an isolated viewpoint. There is also a broader convergence of concern among major regional and international actors, including China and Iran, who similarly emphasize the urgency of stabilizing the region and curbing militant violence that threatens peace and development.
Our region in question has already endured prolonged cycles of conflict, instability, and human suffering. The cumulative impact of these disruptions has been severe, not only in terms of security but also in terms of lost economic opportunities and social progress. The people of the region have an undeniable right to live in peace, to pursue education and livelihoods without fear, and to benefit from the possibilities of development and prosperity that have long been delayed by instability
Pakistan should raise this issue more consistently and decisively at international forums. A coordinated diplomatic approach, aligned with the concerns already expressed by key global stakeholders, can help build momentum for a more sustained and effective response to the challenge of militancy in the region.