Pakistan and China have suffered a major setback at the United Nations (UN). The United States, United Kingdom, and France blocked a proposal to designate the BLA and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as terrorist organizations, citing a lack of evidence.
World Update: Pakistan and China have faced a significant setback at the United Nations (UN). Both countries had presented a proposal to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as terrorist organizations. However, this proposal was blocked by the United States, United Kingdom, and France. Western nations stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove these organizations' links to Al-Qaeda or ISIL. This is a major blow to Pakistan, as it has long labeled the BLA as India-backed.
What is America's objective?
The United States had some time ago included the BLA and Majeed Brigade in its national list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. At the time, this was considered a balancing act because, concurrently, the US had designated 'The Resistance Front', involved in the Pahalgam attack, as an organization linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, by blocking this at the UN, America has sent a clear signal to Islamabad and Beijing that an organization will not be banned based solely on political claims.
Responding to China in its own language
Imposing a 'technical hold' at the UN is the same tactic that China has long employed. China has repeatedly blocked efforts by India and the US against Pakistan-based terrorists for this very reason. The same Chinese hold has been applied to Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders like Sajid Mir, Shahid Mahmood, and Talha Saeed. Similarly, the case of Abdul Rauf Azhar remained stalled for a long time. Now, America has responded to China in its own language by adopting the same method.
A Diplomatic Setback for Pakistan
Pakistan had hoped that the United States, United Kingdom, and France would support the proposal against the BLA. Islamabad claimed that the BLA was receiving support from India and posed a significant threat to Pakistan's security. However, Western nations blocked the proposal, citing a lack of evidence. This has weakened Pakistan's claim on the international stage and dealt a blow to its strategy with China.
Who is the BLA?
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the largest armed group in Balochistan. It was founded in 2000. The BLA reportedly has about 6,000 fighters, said to be equipped with high-tech weapons. The Pakistani government banned this organization in 2006. The people of Balochistan have long complained that the natural resources of their region are being exploited by Pakistan and China for their own benefit, while local residents face poverty and backwardness. For this reason, the BLA opposes both Pakistan and China.
The Story of Balochistan's Occupation
During British rule, Balochistan was a group of several princely states, including Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran. After independence, they were given the option to accede to India or Pakistan, or remain independent. Kalat decided to remain independent, and the Muslim League accepted its independence. Balochistan's independence was also declared in 1947. However, in 1948, the Pakistani army launched a military operation and occupied Kalat and the whole of Balochistan. Since then, rebellion and discontent have continuously persisted in Balochistan.
The Role of the Majeed Brigade
The BLA's suicide wing, the 'Majeed Brigade', is known for its attacks on major Pakistani cities and Chinese nationals in recent years. Chinese projects and engineers have been targeted multiple times in areas like Gwadar and Karachi. Pakistan claims these attacks are being carried out with India's assistance, although no concrete evidence has emerged to support this claim.
