Militant group issues demands following attack on Jaffar Express
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, hijacked the passenger train Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on March 11, carrying over 450 passengers. Security forces reported rescuing 190 individuals while engaging in ongoing operations against the militants. So far, 30 militants have been killed.
The BLA has demanded the release of all political prisoners and Baloch activists, setting a 48-hour deadline for a prisoner exchange.
Origins and objectives of the Baloch Liberation Army
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is an armed separatist group primarily operating from Afghanistan. It seeks independence for Balochistan from Pakistan and has launched numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces in the region, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Though the group is believed to have formed in 2000, some analysts suggest it is a resurgence of earlier Baloch insurgencies, including the Independent Balochistan Movement (1973-1977).
The group is officially designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Islamabad has accused foreign intelligence agencies, particularly those from India and Afghanistan, of supporting the BLA.
What drives BLA’s insurgency?
The BLA is the largest ethnic insurgent group opposing the Pakistani government, claiming that Balochistan’s vast mineral and gas wealth is being unfairly exploited. The province is home to several major mining projects, including Reko Diq—one of the world’s largest gold and copper reserves—operated by Barrick Gold.
China also plays a significant role in Pakistan’s infrastructure, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port. The BLA opposes Chinese investment, accusing Beijing of aiding Pakistan in exploiting Balochistan’s resources. The group has previously targeted Chinese nationals working in the region and even attacked China’s consulate in Karachi.
Increasing violence and security concerns
Balochistan has long been a battleground for Pakistani security forces fighting insurgency. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, 2024 saw a rise in violence in the region compared to previous years, making it the deadliest year for Pakistan in a decade.
The escalation in conflict coincides with heightened instability along the Afghanistan border since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups that orchestrate attacks on its soil, though Kabul has denied these allegations.
Recent attacks linked to the BLA
In 2022, the BLA carried out coordinated strikes on army and naval bases, demonstrating its growing military capabilities. The group has expanded its tactics, incorporating suicide bombings and deploying female attackers. That same year, it orchestrated an attack targeting Chinese nationals at a university in Karachi.
In 2024, the BLA was linked to an attack in Gwadar that specifically targeted high-profile Chinese officials. The group’s activities have also contributed to rising cross-border tensions, as seen in early 2024 when a BLA-linked incident fueled missile exchanges between Pakistan and Iran.
With tensions in the region escalating, Pakistan’s security forces continue to battle insurgency threats, while diplomatic relations with neighboring countries remain strained.