NEW YORK (MNN); Pakistan on Wednesday called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to act without delay in designating the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation under the UN’s sanctions framework, saying the request for listing was already before the council.
Addressing a UNSC briefing on “Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad hoped the council would swiftly place the BLA on the 1267 sanctions list.
The envoy thanked UNSC members for issuing a press statement condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and appreciated the international show of support and solidarity with Pakistan.
Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan remained determined to eradicate what he described as externally sponsored terrorism and to expose those financing, aiding and abetting militant groups from across the borders.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, he said the country, as a frontline state, had suffered more than 90,000 casualties along with massive economic losses over the years.
Recalling past counterterrorism efforts, he noted that Al Qaeda’s core leadership was largely dismantled in Afghanistan due to Pakistan’s role, adding that Islamabad had also played a key part in countering the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group.
However, he warned that the security situation had worsened in recent years, particularly following the Taliban takeover of Kabul. He said foreign-funded proxy groups, including Fitna al Khawarij TTP and Fitna al Hindustan BLA along with its Majeed Brigade, had regained strength.
According to Ambassador Ahmad, these groups were operating from Afghan soil with near impunity and with the support of Pakistan’s eastern neighbour, carrying out deadly attacks inside the country.
Referring to recent violence in Balochistan, he said the BLA had claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks at multiple locations that resulted in the killing of 48 civilians, including women and children. He added that security forces neutralised 145 BLA militants in a strong retaliatory response.
He noted that in August last year, the US State Department designated the BLA and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
The ambassador also raised alarm over growing regional threats emanating from Afghanistan, citing UN findings that warned these groups posed dangers not only to Pakistan but to the wider region and beyond. He pointed to recent attacks in Central Asia near the Afghan border as evidence.
He further cautioned against the spread of advanced weapons left behind after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and stressed the need to prevent such arms from falling into terrorist hands.
Calling for accountability, he urged action against external actors supporting and financing terrorist groups, including their proxies in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Ahmad appealed for a unified international response, free from double standards, and stressed the need for balanced implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
He criticised selective counterterrorism approaches and said there must be zero tolerance for state terrorism, referring to the situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also called for recognition of legitimate struggles against foreign occupation in accordance with UN resolutions.
He said the upcoming ninth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy later this year offered an opportunity to renew collective commitment and address existing shortcomings, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for multilateral and cooperative efforts to eliminate terrorism.
