Pakistan should seek stronger USbackingfor efforts to place the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade faction on the United Nations sanctions list, according to an analysis published by the international affairs magazine The Diplomat.
The publication argued that the inclusion of the BLA and Majeed Brigade under the UN Security Council’s sanctions regime could help restrict the groups’ financial resources, international networks and operational capabilities, while strengthening regional counterterrorism efforts. According to the analysis, both organizations continue to pose a threat to regional security and are allegedly operating from safe havens in Afghanistan. �
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The article comes amid renewed debate over the international designation of the BLA following Pakistan’s efforts at the United Nations to secure sanctions against the group and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade. Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that these organizations are involved in militant attacks and benefit from sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan. �
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The Diplomat noted that a UN designation would enable the imposition of measures such as asset freezes, travel bans and restrictions on international support networks, making it more difficult for the groups to finance and coordinate operations across borders.
Pakistan and China had jointly sought the listing of the BLA and Majeed Brigade under the UN Security Council’s 1267 sanctions regime. However, the proposal was blocked earlier this month after opposition from the United States, the United Kingdom and France, according to multiple reports.
Islamabad has consistently raised concerns at the United Nations over what it describes as the growing threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, recently told the Security Council that terrorist organizations, including the BLA and Majeed Brigade, were operating from Afghan sanctuaries and contributing to regional instability.
The Diplomat argued that closer cooperation between Washington and Islamabad on the issue could strengthen international counterterrorism mechanisms and help address security challenges affecting Pakistan and the wider region. The publication maintained that international recognition of the threat posed by the BLA and Majeed Brigade would be an important step toward curbing their activities and limiting their access to global financial and logistical networks.
