The U.S. signals a renewed and pragmatic partnership with Pakistan, combining security cooperation with economic opportunity in one of South Asia’s most contested regions. As violence escalates and regional interests converge, the designation of the BLA—now as an FTO—is more than symbolic. It underscores a deep recalibration in international policy: one that acknowledges the gravity of Baloch insurgency, affirms Pakistan’s counterterror strategy, and opens doors to U.S. involvement in Balochistan’s strategic landscape.
Washington/Islamabad, August 13, 2025 — The United States has formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its elite unit, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), in a move aimed at curbing separatist violence in Pakistan and strengthening counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and Islamabad.
The announcement came from the U.S. State Department late Tuesday, citing the BLA’s involvement in a series of deadly attacks over the past decade, including the high-profile 2024 train hijacking in Balochistan that left at least 30 people dead and dozens injured.
Secretary of State Mike Andrews called the designation “a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated, no matter the cause or the geography.” He added that the measure will “sever the BLA’s access to global financing, limit its movement, and criminalize material support from U.S.-based individuals or entities.”
Who Are the BLA and Majeed Brigade?
For more than 20 years, the separatist terrorist group known as the Balochistan Liberation Army has been conducting an armed insurgency in the southwest Pakistani region of Balochistan. The group claims to be fighting for the independence of Balochistan, citing political marginalization, economic exploitation, and alleged human rights abuses by the Pakistani state.
The Majeed Brigade, considered the BLA’s most lethal faction, has been responsible for high-profile suicide attacks targeting security forces, government installations, and foreign interests—particularly Chinese nationals linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
The U.S.–Pakistan Angle
Although the BLA has long been on Pakistan’s own list of prohibited groups, Washington’s stance has changed significantly with the U.S. designation.
For years, Islamabad has accused some foreign powers of turning a blind eye to the BLA’s activities, especially in the context of Pakistan’s strained relations with India and Afghanistan. The Trump administration’s move is being seen as a diplomatic win for Pakistan, reinforcing the perception of a renewed U.S.–Pakistan security partnership.
“This is an important development in counterterrorism cooperation,” said Dr. Maria Khan, a security analyst in Islamabad. “It not only validates Pakistan’s stance on the BLA but also signals Washington’s willingness to align with Islamabad’s security concerns.”
Escalating Violence Behind the Decision
The BLA and its Majeed Brigade have been linked to a number of tragic incidents:
March 2025: Hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, resulting in 31 deaths and over 300 hostages, a flashpoint in the U.S. decision .
2024: Multiple suicide bombings near Karachi airport and the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, with dozens killed .
August 2024: Coordinated insurgent attacks unleashed at least 74 deaths—including civilians and security forces—in Balochistan .
July 2025: The bombing of the Khuzdar school bus, which killed children, and the Balochistan Liberation Front’s (and affiliated militants’) Operation Baam campaign, which caused hundreds of injuries and damaged local infrastructure.
These alarming numbers reflect a significant surge in Baloch separatist violence and underline the rationale behind the U.S.’s upgraded FTO label.
Impact on the Ground
The United States will freeze any assets that the BLA and Majeed Brigade may have under American jurisdiction, forbid U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with them, and block access to international banking networks that rely on U.S. dollar clearing.
Pakistani officials hope the designation will also curb the group’s alleged ability to operate from safe havens abroad, particularly in parts of Europe and the Middle East.
“Cutting off financial and logistical support is key to dismantling terrorist networks,” said Pakistani Interior Minister Rana Tanveer. “We welcome the U.S. decision and look forward to deeper intelligence sharing to eliminate these threats.”
Human Rights Debate
The move has also sparked discussion among rights groups. While no one disputes the BLA’s involvement in deadly violence, some activists caution against ignoring the underlying grievances that fuel insurgency in Balochistan—Pakistan’s largest but least developed province.
“Ayesha Malik, the South Asia representative for Amnesty International, stated that the label “addresses the symptom, not the cause.” “Balochistan has legitimate political and economic demands that must be met alongside security measures.”
Regional Geopolitics
The timing of the designation is notable. It comes amid a broader U.S.-Pakistan thaw under Trump and comes after months of high-level conversations that covered topics including commerce, counterterrorism, and even cooperation energy projects.
It also aligns with Washington’s increasing concerns over the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan, especially after a wave of attacks on CPEC-linked projects. Analysts suggest the U.S. may be quietly positioning itself as a stabilizing partner in a region where Beijing’s footprint is growing rapidly.
“This is as much about regional stability as it is about counterterrorism,” said Michael Reynolds, senior fellow at the Atlantic Security Forum. “A destabilized Balochistan is a nightmare for both Pakistan and any foreign investor—whether Chinese, American, or Gulf-based.”
What’s Next?
The U.S. State Department has indicated that it will work closely with Pakistan’s counterterrorism units to track BLA networks and their supporters. Officials hinted at possible joint training programs and enhanced intelligence sharing.
The designation is a challenge as well as a political win for Pakistan. Islamabad will be under pressure to ensure that its own actions in Balochistan—military or otherwise—do not draw international criticism, particularly from human rights watchdogs.
As for the BLA, the group has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the U.S. decision. In past reactions to similar measures, its spokespeople have rejected the “terrorist” label and insisted their struggle is a legitimate fight for self-determination.
For now, Washington’s move has brought the United States and Pakistan into closer alignment on a long-standing security concern. Whether it will translate into lasting stability in Balochistan—or simply push the insurgency into new forms—remains to be seen.
