A Legacy of Terror and Foreign Exploitation in 2025: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

A Legacy of Terror and Foreign Exploitation: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

Written by Ehsan Mughees

Recent attacks claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), including brazen assaults on security forces and civilians, have once again exposed the group’s terrorist agenda and its destabilizing role in Pakistan. While the BLA masquerades as a movement for Baloch rights, its actions—marked by violence, anti-state rhetoric, and foreign patronage—reveal a darker truth. A legacy of terror and foreign exploitation has fully exposed it as a militant organization dedicated to sowing chaos, undermining Pakistan’s sovereignty, and sabotaging regional stability.

A Legacy of Terror and Foreign Exploitation

Pakistan’s security forces announced on Wednesday night that they had ended a military operation against a group of separatists who had hijacked a train on Tuesday, rescuing 346 passengers.

Jaffar Express, the train was travelling from Quetta, the provincial capital of the southwestern province of Balochistan, to Peshawar, the capital of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when it was attacked.

Interactive_Balochistan_Pakistan_Train_Hostage- Courtesy AL-Jazeera

A History of Violence and Separatism

The BLA emerged in the early 2000s as an offshoot of decades-old Baloch separatist movements, which initially stemmed from political grievances over resource allocation and provincial autonomy. However, unlike earlier movements that sought dialogue, the BLA adopted violence as its primary tool. Its founders, including Nawab Akbar Bugti (killed in 2006), transformed a political struggle into an armed insurgency. The group’s ideology hinges on an exclusionary ethnonationalism that rejects Pakistan’s constitutional framework and advocates secession through terror.

Over the years, the BLA has targeted infrastructure projects, security personnel, and civilians. From blowing up gas pipelines to attacking Chinese engineers working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the group has consistently prioritized destruction over development. Notably, its 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, the 2021 hotel bombing in Gwadar, and the 2024 Machh attack underscored its disregard for human life and economic progress. These acts have displaced communities, delayed critical projects, and deepened suffering in Balochistan—a province the BLA claims to “liberate.”

Foreign Patronage: A Tool for Proxy Warfare

The BLA’s survival and operations rely heavily on foreign support. Intelligence reports and investigative journalism have repeatedly exposed the group’s ties to hostile states seeking to weaken Pakistan. India’s Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) has long been accused of funding, training, and arming the BLA, using it as a proxy to destabilize Pakistan’s western flank. The 2016 arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian spy, revealed a network of financial and logistical support for Baloch militants. Similarly, Afghanistan’s former National Directorate of Security (NDS) provided safe havens to BLA operatives, allowing them to orchestrate cross-border attacks.

These foreign actors exploit Baloch grievances to advance their geopolitical interests. By fueling separatism, they aim to disrupt CPEC—a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic growth and regional connectivity—and tarnish Pakistan’s global image. The BLA, in turn, serves as a mercenary force, trading Baloch lives for foreign agendas.

Mahrang Baloch: A Mouthpiece for Militancy

Amid the BLA’s violence, certain individuals have emerged to sanitize its image. Mahrang Baloch, a self-proclaimed human rights activist, has become a vocal advocate for the BLA’s narrative. While she positions herself as a champion of “missing persons” and Baloch rights, her rhetoric often aligns with the BLA’s extremist goals. She routinely downplays the group’s atrocities, instead blaming state institutions for “genocide” and “oppression” without credible evidence.

Mahrang’s activism is dangerously one-sided. She remains conspicuously silent on the BLA’s killings of Punjabi settlers, Shia Hazaras, and non-combatant Baloch who oppose the group’s ideology. Her social media campaigns and international lobbying—often amplified by anti-Pakistan lobbies—whitewash the BLA’s terrorism as “resistance,” ignoring its devastation of Baloch society. By legitimizing violence, Mahrang inadvertently (or deliberately) fuels the very cycle of conflict that exacerbates Balochistan’s woes.

Anti-State Agenda and Global Condemnation

The BLA’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation. The U.S. Department of State designated it a terrorist organization in 2019, citing its links to transnational terror networks. The European Union and UK have similarly blacklisted the group, recognizing its role in regional instability. Despite this, the BLA continues exploiting digital platforms to spread propaganda, often leveraging Western freedoms to recruit diaspora youth and solicit donations.

Critically, the BLA’s vision for Balochistan is not one of emancipation but of perpetual conflict. Its leaders, many operating from luxury abroad, preach war while ordinary Baloch endure its consequences. The group’s opposition to CPEC—which promises jobs and infrastructure for Balochistan—exposes its hypocrisy: it would rather isolate the province than let its people prosper.

This Bolan attack has been a catastrophic setback for BLA. They have lost much more than what they wanted to gain from this act of Terror.

Above all they have lost the narrative that they are a legit freedom struggle. All over the world, their act was seen as an act of terror directed against the civilians, condemned by all powers of the world. This is a huge loss to their PR campaign globally. They have lost the moral high ground of being victims and have now become unforgivable terrorists…..

Even in Pakistan the tide has turned against them……

The Baloch voices which were silent before this have now started to speak powerfully against BLA.

For the first time in many months, Maharang and her gang are on the back foot against the state. The national environment is in favor of Pakistan and the armed forces. The space to act against BLA has been created.

BLA could not achieve their military objective also.

They sent in their best fighters for this extreme mission. The objective was to secure the release of their die-hard fighters.

Instead they lost the entire attacking force and not a single of their member was released from jail…. The mission was an absolute disaster. Also their entire network from India, Afghanistan to within Pakistan has been exposed….. The secrecy of their network has been breached. Their command and control has been exposed.

This is for the first time that not a single BLA terrorist has been able to escape. Their mobile phones and entire data have been captured. This is a huge gold mine of information for Pakistani intelligence.

Measuring on all these three indicators, this operation by BLA has been a blessing for Pakistan.

Now the leadership must exploit the windows of opportunities that have been created. There is absolutely no margin for complacency or neglect.

Pakistanis have poor memories. BLA will try to gain the high moral ground once again & will try to enact another drama to pretend themselves as the victims….

The state must act against them rapidly while the moral high ground and the national & international environment is supportive.

Condemnation Overview

The international community has expressed strong disapproval of the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express Train in Pakistan, which occurred on March 11, 2025, in Balochistan. Key actors, including the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, have issued statements condemning the attack and supporting Pakistan.

United Nations Response

The UN Security Council issued a press statement condemning the attack as “heinous and cowardly,” highlighting the loss of at least 25 lives and calling for accountability. They expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged cooperation with Pakistan to bring perpetrators to justice.

United States Response

The US Embassy in Islamabad strongly condemned the attack via an X post, extending sympathies to victims and their families, and reaffirmed its partnership with Pakistan to ensure citizen safety, emphasizing that Pakistanis deserve to live free from violence and fear.

United Kingdom Response

The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the attack in an X post, aligning with global efforts to denounce terrorism in Balochistan.

China Response

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming firm support for Pakistan in combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation to maintain regional stability.

Unexpected Detail
An interesting finding is the mention of additional countries like Germany, Russia, and Iran condemning the attack, suggesting broader international support, though specific statements from these nations were less detailed in available reports.

Analysis of International Community’s Condemnation of the Jaffar Express Train Attack in Pakistan

This is how the international community has responded to the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express Train in Pakistan, which occurred on March 11, 2025, in Balochistan’s Bolan district. The attack, claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), involved hijacking the train, taking hostages, and resulted in significant casualties, prompting widespread international condemnation. The analysis is based on official statements, news reports, and international organization responses, focusing on the nature and scope of the condemnation.

Background and Context

On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with approximately 440 passengers, was attacked by BLA militants. The attackers detonated explosives, opened fire, and took hostages, leading to a military operation that ended on March 12, 2025, with 33 militants killed and 21 hostages and 4 soldiers dead. This incident, occurring in a region with a history of separatist insurgency, drew significant international attention due to its scale and the involvement of civilians.

The international community’s response is critical, given Pakistan’s strategic importance and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Condemnations typically include official statements from governments, international organizations, and sometimes regional bodies, reflecting global norms against terrorism and solidarity with affected nations.

Responses by International Community

United Nations

The United Nations has been vocal in its condemnation. On March 14, 2025, the UN Security Council, through President Christina Markus Lassen of Denmark, issued a press statement ([UN Security Council Press Statement](https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16019.doc.htm)) condemning the attack in the “strongest terms” as a “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack.” The statement noted the loss of at least 25 Pakistani nationals and called for holding perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors accountable, urging all states to cooperate with Pakistan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also “strongly condemned” the hijacking and called for the immediate release of hostages, as reported in Wikipedia ([2025 Jaffar Express hijacking – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Jaffar_Express_hijacking)).

United States

The US Embassy in Islamabad responded promptly, stating on March 12, 2025, via an X post, as reported by Radio Pakistan ([UN, US, UK, China condemn attack on Jaffer Express Train](https://www.radio.gov.pk/12-03-2025/us-condemns-attack-on-jaffar-express-train)) and The Express Tribune ([US embassy strongly condemns Jaffar Express attack, expresses solidarity with Pakistan](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2533891/us-embassy-strongly-condemns-jaffar-express-attack)). The statement strongly condemned the attack and hostage-taking, labeling BLA as a US-Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. It extended deepest sympathies and condolences to victims and their families, emphasizing that the Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear, and reaffirmed the US as a steadfast partner in ensuring Pakistan’s security.

United Kingdom

The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the attack in a social media post on X on March 12, 2025, as reported by Radio Pakistan ([UN, US, UK, China condemn attack on Jaffer Express Train](https://www.radio.gov.pk/12-03-2025/us-condemns-attack-on-jaffar-express-train)). The statement was brief, aligning with the UK’s stance against terrorism, though specific details were not extensively covered in available reports.

China

China’s response was detailed and supportive. On March 12, 2025, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, during a regular briefing, strongly condemned the attack, as reported by Radio Pakistan ([UN, US, UK, China condemn attack on Jaffer Express Train](https://www.radio.gov.pk/12-03-2025/us-condemns-attack-on-jaffar-express-train)) and The Tribune ([China condemns Jaffar Express attack, pledges strong support to Pakistan](https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/china-condemns-jaffar-express-attack-pledges-strong-support-to-pakistan/)). China firmly opposed terrorism in all forms, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in combating terrorism, and expressed readiness to strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation, emphasizing regional stability and civilian safety.

European Union and Other Countries

While specific EU statements were less accessible, reports from Minute Mirror ([International outrage after Jaffar Express attack, global condemnations overwhelm](https://minutemirror.com.pk/international-outrage-after-jaffar-express-attack-global-condemnations-overwhelm-368286/)) and Wikipedia ([2025 Jaffar Express hijacking – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Jaffar Express hijacking)) suggest the EU condemned the attack, with Ambassador Riina Kionka mentioned in some sources. Additionally, countries like Germany, Russia, Turkiye, Norway, and Iran were noted to have registered condemnation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko making direct statements, as per Wikipedia, though specific details were not verified in official channels.

Historical Context and Trends

The Jaffar Express attack aligns with a history of BLA activities targeting Pakistani infrastructure, notably the 2016 attack near Machh and the 2024 Quetta railway station bombing. International responses typically follow a pattern of condemnation, calls for justice, and support for counter-terrorism, reflecting global norms against terrorism. The involvement of the UN Security Council and major powers like the US and China underscores Pakistan’s strategic importance, especially given regional dynamics with Afghanistan and India, as mentioned in some reports.

Conclusion
This survey note confirms that the international community, led by the UN, US, UK, and China, has strongly condemned the Jaffar Express attack, with statements emphasizing sympathy, accountability, and support for Pakistan. While additional countries’ responses suggest broader condemnation, verified details are limited. The responses highlight a unified stance against terrorism, with potential for enhanced international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.

Key Citations
– [UN Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Pakistan](https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16019.doc.htm)
– [UN, US, UK, China condemn attack on Jaffer Express Train](https://www.radio.gov.pk/12-03-2025/us-condemns-attack-on-jaffar-express-train)
– [US embassy strongly condemns Jaffar Express attack, expresses solidarity with Pakistan](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2533891/us-embassy-strongly-condemns-jaffar-express-attack)
– [2025 Jaffar Express hijacking – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Jaffar_Express_hijacking)
– [International outrage after Jaffar Express attack, global condemnations overwhelm](https://minutemirror.com.pk/international-outrage-after-jaffar-express-attack-global-condemnations-overwhelm-368286/)
– [China condemns Jaffar Express attack, pledges strong support to Pakistan](https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/china-condemns-jaffar-express-attack-pledges-strong-support-to-pakistan/)

A Call for Global Accountability

The international community must recognize the BLA for what it is: a terrorist entity bankrolled by external adversaries to bleed Pakistan. Romanticizing its “freedom struggle” ignores the bloodshed it perpetuates and the foreign hands that pull its strings. Similarly, figures like Mahrang Baloch must be scrutinized for amplifying divisive narratives that hinder reconciliation.

Balochistan’s path to peace lies in development, dialogue, and dismantling militant networks—not in the BLA’s bullets or its foreign sponsors’ machinations. It is time to expose and isolate this terrorist group, ensuring that Balochistan’s future is shaped by its people, not by guns or greed.

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