The terrorist commander of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Dr. Abdul Rashid alias “Nokab,” has reportedly been killed in Iran during clashes with Iranian security forces in the Saravan region.
Dr. Abdul Rashid, a senior and important commander of the terrorist organisation Fitna-ul-Hindustan/BLA, had been active for many years and was reportedly hiding and operating from Iranian territory. His reported killing represents a significant blow to the BLA’s militant network and its leadership structure.
According to the information available, Dr. Abdul Rashid was an accomplice and close associate of another prominent BLA terrorist commander, Dr. Naseer. Both individuals have been associated with the activities of the BLA, an organisation responsible for terrorist violence and attacks in Balochistan.
The reported death of Dr. Abdul Rashid during an encounter with Iranian security forces once again exposes the presence and movement of BLA terrorists on Iranian soil. His reported ability to remain active for an extended period while hiding in Iran raises serious questions about the existence of militant networks operating from Iranian territory.
The reported killing should serve as a wake-up call regarding the presence of other important BLA terrorist commanders and operatives who are believed to be hiding in Iran. There are serious concerns that elements of the BLA have been using Iranian territory as a sanctuary, enabling them to maintain their organisational structures, establish contacts, move personnel and continue activities against Pakistan.
Iran must take this threat seriously. The presence of foreign-backed terrorist elements on its territory is not only a threat to Pakistan but also poses a direct challenge to Iran’s own national security and territorial sovereignty.
The Iranian authorities should conduct a comprehensive investigation into the networks associated with Dr. Abdul Rashid and identify other BLA commanders, facilitators and operatives who may be hiding or operating inside Iran.
The activities of the BLA have long raised concerns regarding external support and sponsorship. The presence of senior BLA commanders outside Pakistan, particularly in locations from where they can allegedly coordinate militant activities, requires urgent attention from regional security authorities.
The reported presence of Indian- and Israeli-linked elements within networks hostile to Pakistan is a matter of grave concern and warrants serious investigation. Any foreign assistance, financing, intelligence support or logistical facilitation provided to terrorist organisations must be exposed and countered through appropriate legal and diplomatic mechanisms.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that terrorism cannot be defeated effectively if terrorist commanders and their support networks are allowed to operate from neighbouring territories.
