ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the United States’ decision to designate the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as international terrorist organisations.
In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson called the U.S. move “a positive step.” The spokesperson recalled that Pakistan had declared the Majeed Brigade a banned outfit on July 18, 2024. Both the BLA and the Majeed Brigade have been involved in multiple deadly attacks, including the Jaffer Express hijacking and the Khuzdar bus bombing.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan remains a strong bulwark against terrorism and is committed to eliminating it. Pakistan will continue to cooperate with the international community in the fight against terror.
The U.S. State Department announced the decision yesterday, adding BLA and Majeed Brigade to its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The BLA was first designated in 2019, while the Majeed Brigade operates as a suicide attack unit within the BLA.
The U.S. noted that BLA claimed responsibility for suicide attacks at Karachi Airport and in Gwadar in 2024. In 2025, it also claimed the Jaffer Express hijacking, which left 31 people dead and more than 300 taken hostage.
The State Department said the move reflects Washington’s continued commitment to counterterrorism.
