Pakistan Jaffar Express: What is the Baloch Liberation Army?

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group active in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. It aims for an independent Baloch state and has carried out several attacks over the years. The BLA recently hijacked a passenger train, the Jaffar Express and took over 100 people hostage. This deadly attack resulted in the death of at least six soldiers. The incident has brought global attention to the group and its activities.

What is Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)?

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. It wants an independent Baloch state and carries out attacks on security forces and government projects. The group opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and has been declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the US and the UK.

Roots in Baloch Nationalism

The BLA’s origin go back to the Baloch nationalist movement, which started in the 1940s. Many Baloch people believe they are not treated fairly and demand either more autonomy or full independence from Pakistan. In 1948, Balochistan became part of Pakistan, but many Baloch leaders opposed this. Over the years, there have been several uprisings, and the BLA officially formed in the early 2000s to continue the fight for an independent Balochistan.

Leadership and Structure of BLA

The BLA operates in secret and follows a cell-based system. This means different commanders control different regions, making it harder for authorities to track them. The group has also split into smaller fractions, like the United Baloch Army (UBA) and the Baloch Republican Army (BRA). These groups sometimes work together under the larger alliance known as Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS). Some of the BLA’s leaders, such as Aslam Baloch, were reportedly killed in attacks, and many operate from outside Pakistan, possibly in Afghanistan and other nearby countries.

Major Attacks by Balochistan Liberation Army

The BLA has carried out many deadly, mostly targeting security forces, government buildings and foreign projects. Some of the most well-known attacks include:

• 2018 Attack on Chinese Consulate in Karachi: The BLA attacked the Chinese consulate, trying to harm Chinese officials.
• 2019 Gwadar Hotel Attack: A luxury hotel in Gwadar, where many Chinese workers stayed, was targeted.
• Multiple Attacks on Security Forces: The group has frequently attacked soldiers and police, as well as sabotaged railways and power supplies.

Declared a Terrorist Organization

Many countries, including Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States, have declared the BLA as a terrorist group. In 2019, the US officially labeled it as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) due to its violent attacks. Pakistan has accused foreign countries of secretly supporting the BLA, but there is no solid proof of this.

Growing Threats and Challenges

The BLA is becoming more dangerous as it adopts new tactics, including suicide bombings and hostage-taking. The group strongly opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and has attacked several related projects. Even though Pakistan’s military is taking action against the insurgency, the conflict continues. Many experts believe that military action alone will not solve the issue and that a political solution is needed.