The United States has officially classified the Pakistan-based Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed unit, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). The move also adds the Majeed Brigade as an alias to the BLA&rsquo;s Specially Designated Global Terrorist status, first issued in 2019.
This development follows Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir&rsquo;s recent visit to Washington, where he sought diplomatic gains amid domestic and international scrutiny. In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings targeting Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. The following year, it orchestrated the deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar, killing 31 and taking over 300 passengers hostage.
While the designation is framed as part of counterterrorism efforts, it comes at a time of deepening US-Pakistan relations. Islamabad, which has faced repeated scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and harboured figures like Osama Bin Laden and Hafiz Saeed, continues to enjoy strategic engagement with Washington.
The timing also provides a diplomatic boost for Munir, as Pakistan maintains its stance that the BLA is India-backed, a claim lacking evidence. It follows a period of embarrassment for the Pakistani military after global backlash over its support for militants involved in the Pahalgam attack, and the loss of several fighter jets during India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor.
This raises critical questions over whether Washington&rsquo;s actions signal genuine resolve against terrorism or a selective approach shaped by geopolitical convenience.
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Militants from the Baloch Liberation Army

US adds BLA’s Majeed Brigade to terror list amid Pakistan-US strategic warmth

US Labels BLA & Majeed Brigade as FTOs

US adds BLA’s Majeed Brigade to terror list amid Pakistan-US strategic warmth

August 12, 2025 | 15:33 IST