Australia on Friday imposed sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and three of its senior leaders over their alleged involvement in and support for terrorist activities, according to a statement issued by Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office.
“The Australian Government has today imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army and three senior leaders for their engagement in and support of terrorist attacks,” the statement said.
Australia’s foreign ministry described the BLA as a militant group responsible for violent attacks across Pakistan.
“These appalling attacks have targeted civilians, critical infrastructure, and foreign nationals, as well as the Pakistani state,” the statement read, adding that Australia remained firmly committed to counter-terrorism efforts and combating violent extremism.
The statement further said the sanctions were aimed at disrupting financial support networks linked to militant activities.
“These sanctions help cut off financial support of terrorists, making it harder for them to fund operations, recruit and spread their harmful ideology,” it added.
Australia also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to dismantle networks considered threats to global security.
According to the statement, using or dealing with the assets of sanctioned individuals or organisations, or making assets available to them, would constitute a criminal offence punishable by heavy fines and up to 10 years in prison.
Pakistan has long been urging countries and international bodies to formally designate the banned BLA as a terrorist organisation. The group has been linked to several major attacks, including the Jaffar Express hijacking in March 2025, when militants seized control of a train carrying more than 400 passengers. All 33 attackers were killed during a military operation launched the following day.
In February, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called on the UN Security Council to swiftly designate the BLA under its sanctions regime.
“We hope the council will act swiftly to designate BLA under the 1267 sanctions regime, acceding to the listing request that is currently under consideration,” he told a UNSC briefing on threats posed by terrorism to international peace and security.
Last August, Pakistan welcomed the United States’ decision to add the BLA and its Majeed Brigade to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
“BLA/Majeed Brigade is involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and the Khuzdar bus attack that resulted in the loss of precious lives,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office had said at the time.
