About BLA Military: Rise of the Baloch Liberation Army in Pakistan

About BLA Military: Rise of the Baloch Liberation Army in Pakistan

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a Baloch ethnic nationalist militant organization seeking independence for Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populous province. Its history is rooted in the Baloch people's grievances against the Pakistani state, stemming from economic marginalisation, political exclusion and cultural repression since the formation of Pakistan in 1947. 

Balochistan, rich in resources such as gas, copper and gold, was annexed in 1948 under controversial circumstances, with the Khan of Kalat reportedly forced to sign the merger agreement. This led to discontent, fuelling several uprisings, and the BLA emerged as a significant force in the early 2000s. 

 

The BLA's origins are linked to earlier Baloch resistance movements, particularly the Independent Balochistan Movement of 1973–1977, which was reportedly influenced by Soviet support and the Baloch Students' Organisation (BSO). 

Some sources suggest that KGB agents helped shape the BLA, building on the framework of the BSO. The group was formalized in 2000, initially led by people such as Balach Marri, son of nationalist leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri. 

Early attacks targeted Pakistani security forces 

Its early attacks targeted Pakistani security forces and infrastructure, with the aim of disrupting state control. The BLA rose to prominence in 2003 with bombings in Quetta that killed police and civilians, and further escalated this by attacking Chinese workers in 2004, signalling opposition to foreign projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

The insurgency intensified after 2006, following the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, a prominent Baloch leader, by the Pakistani army led by General Pervez Musharraf. This boosted support by drawing Baloch youth and middle-class professionals into the BLA's ranks. 

The group was banned by Pakistan in 2006, followed by the UK in 2006 and the US in 2019, labelling it a terrorist organization for attacks on civilians, security personnel and foreigners, including a 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. The BLA's tactics evolved, including suicide bombings and female militants, most notably Shari Baloch's 2022 attack on Karachi University, which killed three Chinese nationals.

The Majeed Brigade, active since 2011, has led high-profile operations, including the 2025 Jaffar Express train hijacking, where 33 BLA fighters were killed. The group's 2024 attacks, which number over 900, include a suicide bombing at Quetta's railway station, which killed 32 people, and an IED attack in the Kachhi district, which killed 14 soldiers. 

Pakistan accuses India, Afghanistan and Iran of supporting the BLA, though the evidence is disputed. The group operates from alleged safe havens in Afghanistan, exploiting regional geopolitical tensions.

Despite setbacks such as the 2018 assassination of leader Aslam Baloch, its recruitment of educated youth and access to modern weapons have sustained its campaign. With an estimated 6,000 fighters, it remains a potent challenge to Pakistan’s security, reflecting deep-rooted Baloch grievances over resource exploitation and state repression. 

The BLA’s persistence underscores the complex socio-political dynamics of Balochistan. Though the group’s violent methods are condemned, its story of resistance resonates with many Baloch, complicating Pakistan’s efforts to bring stability to the region.