Pakistan welcomes US move to blacklist BLA, Majeed Brigade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Tuesday said Pakistan had proscribed Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity since July 18, 2024. BLA and Majeed Brigade are involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and Khuzdar Bus Attack that resulted in the loss of many precious lives.
The Foreign Office statement said Pakistan remains a steadfast bulwark against terrorism.
'Our sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes, not only for the country, but for regional stability and global security,' the FO said.
Pakistan said it also remains unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It remains committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome this common challenge.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pak-US cooperation in fight against terrorism to yield positive results: security czar
In a meeting with US Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said positive outcomes will emerge from Pakistan-US cooperation in fight against terrorism, while the counterterrorism dialogue will help in formulating a joint strategy. The development came as the US official called on the interior minister in Islamabad. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, and the federal interior secretary were also present on the occasion. LoGerfo congratulated Minister Naqvi and the Pakistani people on the occasion of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day. Pakistan, US vow to advance new trade agreement, boost trade & investment During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance Pak-US cooperation in various areas including counterterrorism, border security, and narcotics control. They also agreed to make the exchange of information more effective in the fields of counterterrorism and anti-narcotics. 'Bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States have witnessed significant improvement since President Donald Trump took office,' said the interior minister. President Trump's sincere efforts for global peace are commendable, he added. Moreover, he said: 'Transparency, mutual trust, and cooperation are prominent features of Pak-US relations.' The security czar emphasised this is the best time to strengthen bilateral ties across all sectors. He also welcomed the US designation of banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as global terrorist organisations. US to explore cooperation with Pakistan on critical minerals, hydrocarbons Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives in recent terrorist attacks, LoGerfo described Pakistan as a strategically vital country. The US coordinator for counterterrorism on August 12 called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. He briefed FM Dar on the discussions held during the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue. The foreign minister encouraged sustained and structured bilateral engagement on counter-terrorism between both countries, as a vital contributor to peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
US, China congratulates Pakistan on Independence Day
As Pakistan marks its Independence Day today, the United States and China extended congratulatory messages, with Islamabad-Washington ties showing renewed diplomatic and economic momentum. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X to congratulated the people of Pakistan and expressed appreciation for Islamabad's engagement on counterterrorism and trade. Extending our warm wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate 78 years of independence on August 14. We look forward to deepening the people-to-people & economic ties as our two countries work together to promote a prosperous future for Americans & Pakistanis.… — State_SCA (@State_SCA) August 14, 2025 He reiterated US President Donald Trump's intention to explore 'new areas of economic cooperation in critical minerals and hydrocarbons' between the two countries. 'We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis,' said Rubio. His remarks come amid improving ties between Islamabad and Washington. Read: Pakistan, US explore new trade avenues amid warming ties On August 11, the United States designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organizations. The move coincided with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's second visit to the US. Pakistan has long accused the BLA of receiving external support and carrying out attacks inside the country. US has also committed to investing in Pakistan's energy and mineral mining sectors following a trade agreement that includes support for oil reserve development and tariff reductions. Read more: Pakistan, US seal trade deal The two sides recently held a counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad. Russia The Russian Embassy in Islamabad also congratulated Pakistan on its 78th Independence Day, praising the country's progress since its creation in 1947. In a post on X, the embassy said people of Pakistan "can rightly be proud of their country" and extended wishes for "success, prosperity and well-being" to its citizens, ending with the greeting, "Youm-e-Azadi Mubarak". ✨️ The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan wishes all Pakistani citizens a Happy Independence Day! In its 78 years of independence, Pakistan has made significant progress in many areas, strengthened its position in the international community, and contributed to space exploration.… — RusEmbassy_Pakistan (@RusEmbPakistan) August 14, 2025 Beijing The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing organized a dignified flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate Independence Day. The event also celebrated the historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during Operation Bunyanum-Marsoos. The ceremony commenced with hoisting of the national flag by Deputy Head of Mission Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary. Messages of felicitations from the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion. Messages paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminating in the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. It also felicitated the nation on Pakistan's great victory in Marka-e-Haq during the war imposed by India from 6th to 10th May 2025. In his remarks, Chaudhary extended warm felicitations to the Pakistani community in China. Warmest congratulations to the government and people of Pakistan on celebrating its 79th Independence Day. May Pakistan continue to prosper, and may the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan grow ever stronger. Chin–Pak Dosti Zindabad! 🇨🇳🇵🇰 — Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) August 14, 2025 He also highlighted the decisive victory of Mark-e-Haq achieved during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, underscoring it as a testament to the courage, resilience and capability of the Pakistani nation and its armed forces. Also read: Pak, China for aligning ties in nuclear energy He emphasized the deep-rooted Pakistan-China friendship as a model of inter-state relations and commended the constructive role of the Pakistani diaspora in promoting national development and strengthening bilateral ties through people-to-people contacts. The Embassy of France in Pakistan extended its 'warmest congratulations to the people and Government of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day,' adding, 'Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis!' 🇨🇵🤝🇵🇰 The Embassy of the #France in Pakistan extends warmest congratulations to the people and Government of #Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day! Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis! آپ سب کو یومِ آزادی مبارک!#IndependenceDay — France in Pakistan 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinPak) August 14, 2025 Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X, also congratulated 'friendly and brotherly Pakistan' on its Independence Day, adding the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad!'. Congratulations to friendly and brotherly Pakistan on its Day of Independence! 🇹🇷🇵🇰 Pakistan Zindabad! — Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) August 14, 2025 Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan said EU Ambassador Riina Kionka extended heartfelt wishes to the country on its 78th Independence Day, adding, 'Together, we celebrate friendship and unity, because we are stronger together.' 🇪🇺 Ambassador @RKionka together with #TeamEurope in Pakistan, extends heartfelt wishes to 🇵🇰 on its 78th Independence Day. Together, we celebrate friendship and unity — because we are stronger together.#EUinPakistan @eu_eeas @ForeignOfficePk — EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) August 13, 2025 UAE UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, along with Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, attended a gathering celebrating Pakistan's Independence at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. The event, organised by the social platform 'Emirates Loves Pakistan', attracted more than sixty thousand attendees, including diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and Pakistani community members from across the UAE. In his address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated the Pakistani people and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and Pakistan, based on shared values, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to its partnership with Pakistan, describing it as a model of fraternal cooperation contributing to regional and global prosperity. UAE's Minister joins thousands in celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. Photo: APP Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM), noted the decades-long bilateral relationship between the two countries, strengthened through collaboration in economic, cultural, and human development sectors. He expressed pride in the enduring bond between the nations and emphasized ongoing efforts to deepen ties through cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and joint community initiatives. The occasion served to strengthen social relations within the Pakistani community, also reflected the diplomatic ties between the UAE and Pakistan, on Indpendence day I celebrations in UAE. The event featured a vibrant programme of cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and cuisine, celebrating Pakistan's rich heritage and diversity. Artistic displays paid tribute to the country's cultural and environmental landmarks. Read: Cultural performances enthral audience at Pak I-Day celebration in Dubai A special ceremony was also held to honour outstanding members of the Pakistani community in the UAE for their achievements and contributions across various fields. Azerbaijan Via a post on X, the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry also extended 'our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly People and the Government of Pakistan on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day,'. Our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations to brotherly People and the Government of #Pakistan on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan! Long Live Pakistan! Happy Independence Day! 🇦🇿🇵🇰@ForeignOfficePk — MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) August 14, 2025 It concluded with 'Long Live Pakistan! Happy Independence Day!'.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan blocks over 500 terrorist-linked social media accounts
The Government of Pakistan has blocked over 850 social media accounts linked to banned militant groups after reporting them on different platforms in a nationwide crackdown. The accounts, allegedly linked to proscribed groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) — all banned by the United Nations, United States and the United Kingdom as well — had a combined following of over two million. The newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) coordinated the action, reporting accounts across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram and WhatsApp. Read: New Pak-US front against terror trains sights on BLA, TTP Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja secured direct cooperation from Telegram officials as well despite the app being banned in Pakistan. The government has also appealed for international cooperation to prevent extremist propaganda online. Facebook and TikTok acted on over 90% of the removal requests, while X and WhatsApp showed 30% compliance. Officials warned that while mainstream Pakistani media remains free of extremist content, militant groups are still using online platforms for recruitment and incitement. Islamabad urged global platforms to permanently block terrorist-linked accounts, deploy AI-based removal systems, and maintain direct contact with Pakistani authorities.
