Pakistan Urges UN Security Council to Quickly List BLA as Terrorist Group

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to swiftly designate the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization under its sanctions regime. Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated that the council was already considering a listing request for BLA under the 1267 sanctions regime.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad thanked UNSC members for their press statement condemning recent attacks in Balochistan and expressed appreciation for international support. He said Pakistan would eliminate this “externally sponsored scourge” from its soil.

Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that Pakistan had made significant sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, citing over 90,000 casualties and substantial economic losses. He also recounted Pakistan’s role in earlier counterterrorism efforts, particularly against Al Qaeda and the militant Islamic State group’s regional affiliate in Afghanistan.

However, he warned of deteriorating security conditions after the Taliban takeover in Kabul. Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that groups such as Fitna al Khawarij TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and BLA are now operating freely with support from neighboring Afghanistan.

He provided details on recent attacks by BLA, mentioning 48 civilians were killed, including five women and three children. The security forces neutralized 145 terrorists during the response.

Ambassador Ahmad also addressed regional threats emanating from Afghanistan, citing findings by the UN’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. These groups pose a threat to Pakistan, as well as the region and beyond.

He urged the international community for collective action against these terrorist groups, including addressing foreign destabilizing actors who support them financially and arm them in Afghanistan.

Additionally, Ambassador Ahmad criticized selective counterterrorism policies that ignore state terrorism, particularly in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He called for recognizing legitimate struggles of peoples against foreign occupation according to UN resolutions.

He urged the council to renew its collective resolve through a comprehensive review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, to be held later this year. Pakistan committed to supporting multilateral efforts aimed at devising comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism.