ISLAMABAD: An article published in the The Diplomate urged the United States to support Pakistan at the United Nations for the blacklisting of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), involved in terrorism in Pakistan.
It was stated in the article that the BLA and the Majeed Brigade pose a threat to regional security from safe havens in Afghanistan.
It was noted that Pakistan and China have approached the United Nations to diplomatically and financially isolate the BLA at the global level.
It was pointed out that the United States has itself designated the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as terrorist organisations.
Questions have been raised over Washington’s opposition at the UN despite its own earlier designations.
It was argued that blocking the BLA’s listing could undermine counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
It was also stated that alienating Pakistan, a key security partner, could prove costly for Washington.
It was highlighted that UN designation could have restricted the group’s funding sources and global networks.
It was stated that terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan continue to pose a persistent threat to regional peace.
The BLA has evolved into a group capable of causing regional instability, it was said.
It was noted that UN listing could have resulted in asset freezes and global travel bans.
The group has continued to target CPEC projects, Chinese nationals, and Pakistani interests, according to the article.
It was warned that the group’s operational reach could expand further in the future.
It was also noted that the United States has shown interest in mineral resources in Balochistan.
Future American investments and personnel could also face potential risks, it was stated.
Reliance on unilateral or regional measures alone was described as insufficient to counter the group effectively.
A balanced and coordinated international response was called for.
It was acknowledged that the issue remains a diplomatic challenge for Pakistan and China, although efforts are expected to continue.
The blocking of the resolution by the United States was described as part of a complex geopolitical balancing act rather than a purely technical issue.
It was concluded that future U.S. actions would determine whether global efforts against groups like the BLA are strengthened or weakened.
