Pakistan has expressed its appreciation for the United States' decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). This move by the U.S. administration is viewed by Pakistan as a significant step in recognizing and countering the threats posed by these groups.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued a statement on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, welcoming the U.S. decision. The ministry highlighted that Pakistan had already proscribed the Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity on July 18, 2024. Pakistan's stance is that the BLA and Majeed Brigade have been involved in numerous terrorist attacks within the country, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. These attacks include the Jaffer Express train incident and the Khuzdar bus attack.

Pakistani officials have described the country's counterterrorism efforts as a bulwark that has contributed to regional stability and global security. Pakistan affirms that it remains steadfast in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms. The country has also expressed its commitment to working with the international community to overcome this shared challenge.

The U.S. State Department's designation of the BLA and Majeed Brigade as FTOs means that the groups are now considered foreign terrorist organizations, and their supporters will face increased scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe. The BLA, which also uses the alias of The Majeed Brigade, is the most prominent of separatist groups in Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan and is home to key China-led infrastructure projects, including a port and a gold-copper mine. The BLA has been linked to several attacks, including the Jaffer Express hostage crisis, the Khuzdar school bus bombing, the Karachi airport attack, and the Gwadar Port Authority complex assault. In March 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express train, resulting in the deaths of 31 civilians and security personnel and holding over 300 passengers hostage.

Security analysts in Islamabad suggest that the U.S. decision to designate the BLA and its Majeed Brigade faction as terrorist organizations follows recent visits by Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the U.S.. Some Pakistani officials have also accused India and Afghanistan of backing the militants.