Pakistan has formally requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to designate the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization under the 1267 sanctions regime.
The move comes amid renewed concerns over foreign-funded proxy terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, told the Security Council that the request to list the BLA is already under consideration.
He urged the Council to take early action to curb the activities of this outlawed group, which he said has been involved in deadly attacks across Balochistan.
Recent attacks
According to the ambassador, the BLA recently claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of 48 innocent civilians, including women and children. Security forces responded effectively, eliminating 145 terrorists during counter-terror operations.
Ambassador Ahmed warned that the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has enabled foreign-sponsored and foreign-funded terrorist groups to operate with near impunity. These include the Fitna-ul-Kharij TTP and Fitna-ul-Hindustan BLA, which he claimed are supported by Pakistan’s eastern neighbor.
Pakistan highlights past contributions
Ambassador Ahmed reminded the Council that Pakistan has suffered heavily in the global war on terrorism, with more than 90,000 lives lost and significant economic losses. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in eliminating Al-Qaeda leadership and targeting ISIS networks in the region.
He also emphasized that modern weapons left behind after foreign forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan pose a serious threat if they fall into the hands of terrorists.
Call for coordinated international action
Pakistan urged the international community to adopt a unified strategy against terrorism, condemning double standards in counter-terrorism efforts. Ambassador Ahmed also highlighted state terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling for recognition of the legitimate struggle of the people under UN resolutions.
He stressed that the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy this year should reflect a collective resolve to combat terrorism worldwide.
