UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to designate the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation under the UN sanctions regime.
It was stated that Pakistan’s request for the group’s listing is already under consideration.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the remarks while addressing a Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorism.
It was said that Pakistan expects an early decision by the Council under the 1267 sanctions framework to formally designate the BLA as a terrorist group.
The ambassador thanked UNSC members for condemning recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan. He said strong solidarity and support had been expressed by the international community.
It was stated that Pakistan remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism sponsored from outside its borders. Sponsors, financiers, and facilitators operating from abroad will continue to be exposed, he said.
Pakistan’s heavy cost in the global fight against terrorism was highlighted. More than 90,000 lives have been lost, along with severe economic damage. A key role was also played by Pakistan in dismantling al-Qaeda’s core leadership and disrupting regional networks of Daesh, it was added.
Concerns were raised over the deteriorating regional security situation following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Terrorist groups backed by foreign sponsorship and funding were said to have been reactivated.
These groups include Fitna al-Khawarij TTP and Fitna al-Hindustan BLA and its Majeed Brigade. It was stated that they are operating freely from Afghan territory.
Support from Pakistan’s eastern neighbor was alleged in connection with deadly attacks inside the country. In recent days, responsibility for multiple attacks in Balochistan was claimed by the BLA.
As a result, 48 innocent civilians were killed, including women and children. During effective security operations, 145 terrorists were neutralized, it was stated.
It was recalled that the US State Department had designated the BLA and its Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations last year.
Serious concern was also expressed over advanced weapons left behind after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. The transfer of these weapons to terrorist groups was described as a grave regional threat.
Accountability of elements backing terrorist organizations was demanded.
The international community was urged to adopt a non-discriminatory, collective, and coordinated counterterrorism strategy. Double standards in counterterrorism efforts were strongly criticised.
State terrorism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was also condemned. Recognition of the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people in line with UN resolutions was demanded.
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It was stated that renewed collective resolve will be required during the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy this year.
Pakistan will continue to support multilateral and collective efforts aimed at the complete eradication of terrorism, the ambassador said.
