An American magazine has argued that the United States should support Pakistan’s efforts at the United Nations to blacklist the Balochistan Liberation Army and its affiliated Majeed Brigade.
A policy analysis published by The Diplomat mentioned that Pakistan and China approached the United Nations in an effort to diplomatically and financially isolate the BLA on the global stage. However, the article notes that Washington’s apparent delay in supporting the move has raised questions, particularly since the United States has already designated both the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as terrorist organisations.
The analysis further states that alleged safe havens in Afghanistan pose a threat to regional security and that the BLA has evolved from a localized insurgent group into an organisation capable of contributing to broader regional instability.
According to the article, inclusion on a UN sanctions list could help freeze the group’s assets, impose international travel bans, and restrict its financial channels and transnational networks.
The publication also argued that the BLA has previously targeted projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Chinese nationals, and Pakistani civilian and military targets. It warned that further security risks could emerge if the group’s international support networks are not curtailed.
The article additionally noted that, given growing American interest in Balochistan’s mineral resources, future US investments and personnel could also face potential threats. It concluded that a balanced, effective, and internationally coordinated response against the BLA is essential.
