What's behind America's growing interest in Pakistan's Balochistan?
Jayanta Kalita
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Aug 14, 2025, 16:54 IST IST
The US has obliged the Pakistan army chief by designating the Baloch Liberation Army a 'foreign terrorist organisation'. But there is more to this than just terror. The next step could be Pakistan opening Washington's access to Balochistan's valuable mineral resources
The US has designated the Baloch Liberation Army ( BLA ) and its infamous hit squad, the Majeed Brigade — responsible for multiple suicide attacks in Pakistan — a 'foreign terrorist organisation'. This move is seen as a shot in the arm of Pakistan army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir , whose forces have frequently been targeted by Baloch separatists and the Pakistani Taliban, already a banned outfit.
Besides, this development would not only boost Islamabad's counter-terror operations, but also open the door for foreign mining companies, including those from the US and China, to exploit Balochistan 's vast reserves of rare earth elements and minerals, estimated to be worth between $3tn and $5tn.
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