Pakistan has welcomed the United States’ decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade faction as Foreign Terrorist Organisations, calling it a boost to global counter-terrorism efforts.

US decision aligns with Pakistan’s ban

According to the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan had already declared both the BLA and Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities on July 18, 2024. The spokesperson said these groups were behind several deadly attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the Khuzdar bus attack, which claimed multiple lives.

“Pakistan has made countless sacrifices to ensure the safety of not only our citizens, but also the region and the world,” the FO said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and protecting its citizens.

Interior minister lauds diplomatic achievement

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi hailed the US move as a “significant diplomatic success” for Pakistan, thanking US President Donald Trump and his administration for recognising Pakistan’s sacrifices.

“This is another defeat for our eternal enemy,” Naqvi said, adding that the decision paves the way for global action against the BLA and Majeed Brigade. He stressed that adopting a common stance against terrorists is “the need of the hour” and that the US initiative will help promote peace and stability in the region.

Cooperation against common threat

The FO confirmed it is working closely with the international community to address what it described as a shared challenge.

"Pakistan remains a steadfast bulwark against terrorism. Our sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes, not only for the country, but for regional stability and global security," the statement added.

On Monday, the United States officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its militant wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), citing their continued involvement in deadly attacks across Pakistan.

The US Department of State announced the move, also adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to the BLA’s existing Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) status, which was first imposed in 2019.

Background of designation

The BLA was initially designated as an SDGT in 2019 after carrying out several terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for multiple high-profile assaults, including suicide bombings and armed operations.

In 2024, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide attacks near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Earlier this year, its Majeed Brigade faction took credit for the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel and the hostage-taking of more than 300 passengers.

US stance on counterterrorism

A statement from the US State Department emphasised that the designation reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and cutting off resources for militant networks.

“Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,” the statement read.

Legal implications

The designations were made under Section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, both as amended. The FTO status will come into effect upon its publication in the Federal Register.