Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) Overview

By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Chief Editor Daily Rapid

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist militant organization operating primarily in Balochistan, Pakistan. It seeks independence for Balochistan, claiming that the region has been economically exploited and politically marginalized by the Pakistani state. The BLA has been involved in numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces, government installations, Chinese interests (CPEC projects), and non-Baloch civilians.

Leadership & Funding

   •   Leadership:

      •   The BLA is divided into multiple factions, with the Hyrbyair Marri-led faction and Bashir Zeb-led faction being the most prominent.

      •   The Majeed Brigade, the group’s suicide squad, is responsible for high-profile attacks.

   •   Funding Sources:

      •   Foreign Support Allegations: Pakistan has accused India’s intelligence agency RAW of supporting BLA, a claim India denies.

      •   Drug Smuggling & Ransoms: Reports suggest BLA is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping for funding.

      •   Diaspora & Local Sympathizers: Baloch nationalist groups abroad (especially in Europe and the Gulf) allegedly provide financial support.

Objectives & Activities

   •   Core Objective: Establish an independent Balochistan free from Pakistani control.

   •   Key Targets:

      •   Pakistani security forces (Army, FC, Police)

      •   Chinese investments & CPEC projects (Gwadar port, highways, energy projects)

      •   Government and infrastructure facilities

      •   Non-Baloch civilians & workers (accused of “demographic colonization”)

   •   Tactics:

      •   IED blasts, ambushes, suicide bombings, assassinations

      •   Attacks on Chinese engineers, diplomats, and CPEC workers

      •   Social media propaganda for international support

Strength & Resources

   •   Estimated Manpower: Between 500 to 3,000 fighters.

   •   Weapons: Small arms, IEDs, RPGs, and occasionally looted military-grade weapons.

   •   Safe Havens: Allegedly operates from Afghanistan and Iran, though both governments deny this.

Pakistan Army’s Capacity to Counter BLA

   •   Military Strategy:

      •   Large-scale counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in Balochistan.

      •   Deployment of Frontier Corps (FC), Pakistan Army, and intelligence agencies.

      •   Use of drones, airstrikes, and targeted operations against BLA hideouts.

      •   Information warfare & counter-propaganda to counter separatist narratives.

   •   Effectiveness:

      •   Pakistani forces have neutralized several BLA commanders, weakening their operational capacity.

      •   Military presence in Balochistan has increased, making large-scale attacks difficult.

      •   China and Pakistan are working together on security measures for CPEC projects.

   •   Challenges:

      •   BLA’s guerrilla tactics make complete elimination difficult.

      •   Cross-border sanctuaries (especially in Afghanistan) allow militants to regroup.

      •   Foreign support & financing sustain BLA’s operations.

Conclusion

The BLA remains a threat, but Pakistan’s military has significantly weakened its capacity through counterterrorism operations. However, the insurgency persists, fueled by grievances, external support, and regional geopolitics. The Pakistani military remains dominant, but a political solution addressing Baloch concerns may be necessary for long-term peace.