Latest news with #MajeedBrigade
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Vawda hails COAS' streak of achievements
Senator Faisal Vawda has said that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has proven his capability at the international level with his streak of global achievements continuing "exactly as predicted". In a post on X, he said after India's worst-ever defeat in May confrontation and global embarrassment over tariffs, the US has declared India-sponsored BLA and Majeed Brigade as global terrorist organizations thanks to the efforts of the field marshal. "If only Pakistan had a democratic leader like the field marshal. There was no such leader before, there isn't one today, and none can be seen in the future," he added.
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Anti-terror outreach
Listen to article A shot in the arm for Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts as Majeed Brigade has been proscribed by the United States. The labelling of the Baloch terrorist outfit by the US State Department as a "Foreign Terrorist Organisation" is an outcome of detailed persuasion on the part of Islamabad, and clears the path for global action against such dreaded organisations. Majeed Brigade performs as the suicide wing of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is already languishing in the US terror category. Some of the recent gruesome activities of this duo include the hijacking of Jaffer Express train in which more than 30 passengers o were killed; profile screening and killing of people in bus attacks; the 2024 Karachi airport ambush that killed Chinese engineers; and last but not least persistent attacks on security forces and government installations in the desolate province of Balochistan. While the State Department move speaks at length about the understanding that both the countries have attained in their counter-terrorism strategy, it needs to be buckled up with a broader regional response. Beijing has to play a special role as it enters into talks with India later this month, as footprints of Delhi are widely evident in the province. The rise of Khawarij (Indian proxies) is a case in point, and Chinese assets and personnel engaged in CPEC projects have been a victim. China must raise this issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and bring the latter on board in fighting terrorism, rather than indulging in policies of bleeding Pakistan. Likewise, a broad-based policy is desired wherein Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian states collaborate to exhibit zero-tolerance towards non-state actors, and entities such as BLA, TTP, ISIK, Al-Qaeda and their accomplices are taken out. Washington admits that there have been more than 1,000 terrorist attacks in "the western area of Pakistan" this year. Pakistan, which has sacrificed more than 80,000 lives in the war on terrorism, must take this international acknowledgment to beef up its anti-terror gear and devise a multipronged policy. Apart from the kinetic option, the intention should be to neutralise the dissidents through political outreach in order to make inroads for stability and development.
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
US, Pakistan Hold Counterterrorism Talks In Islamabad After BLA Terror Listing
According to an official joint press release, delegations from both countries reviewed existing threats. The US and Pakistan held the latest round of the US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad on Tuesday. The high-level discussions came just a day after Washington officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliated unit, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reflecting increasing international concern over the threat posed by the groups in the region. The dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan's Special Secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir, and the US Department of State's Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and enhancing regional security. According to an official joint press release, delegations from both countries reviewed existing threats and explored ways to develop coordinated and effective counterterrorism strategies. Specific focus was placed on groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), all of which continue to pose serious threats to Pakistan's internal stability and wider regional peace. The US acknowledged and commended Pakistan's ongoing efforts to curb the influence of terrorist networks. US officials also expressed condolences for the victims of recent terror attacks in Pakistan, including incidents like the deadly Jaffar Express train bombing and the tragic attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, which have left dozens of civilians and security personnel dead or injured. Both sides reiterated their commitment to long-term collaboration in countering terrorism, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and capacity building. The dialogue also reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship, with both delegations agreeing on the importance of promoting regional peace, stability, and the rule of law. The designation of the BLA as an FTO by the US follows its earlier classification in 2019 as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. The BLA has waged decades-long insurgency in Balochistan, a resource-rich province in southwestern Pakistan, demanding independence and autonomy from the central government. The counterterrorism dialogue also comes on the heels of Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir's visit to Washington on August 10. During his meetings with senior US officials, General Munir reportedly issued a statement with a nuclear threat, as he said, 'We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us." First Published:
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, US vow closer collaboration in fight against terrorism
Listen to article Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their intention to work together closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to advance effective and enduring counterterrorism strategies. A joint press statement confirmed that the latest round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue took place on Tuesday, where both sides reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The dialogue was co-chaired by Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary for the United Nations, and Gregory D LoGerfo, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the US Department of State. Delegations from both countries underscored the importance of developing effective counterterrorism measures, particularly in relation to groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). We remain committed to countering terrorism in all its forms. Today, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker participated in the U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, advancing our shared resolve to combat this global threat.… — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) August 12, 2025 The US praised Pakistan's continued efforts to contain terrorist groups that threaten both regional and global peace. It also extended condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement officers in recent terrorist attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the deadly school bus attack in Khuzdar. Both delegations emphasised the need to build stronger institutional frameworks and enhance capabilities to respond to emerging security challenges, particularly the use of new technologies by terrorist groups. Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the two nations, both sides agreed that sustained and structured engagement is crucial to countering terrorism and fostering peace and stability in the region. The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, today called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan- U.S. CT Dialogue. The DPM/FM… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 12, 2025 A day earlier, the US designated the BLA and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO), the State Department issued a statement on its website. The statement further said that the Majeed Brigade has also been added as an alias to BLA's previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listing, which makes it a crime in the US to provide support to the groups. BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following multiple terrorist attacks. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for further violent incidents, including attacks carried out by the Majeed Brigade, the statement added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that today's action underlines the Trump administration's commitment to countering terrorism. 'Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,' Rubio said.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan welcomes US designation of BLA, Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday hailed the US decision to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), a move seen as reinforcing Islamabad's own counterterrorism efforts and signalling renewed security alignment between the two countries. The US state department had announced the designation on Monday, adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias of the BLA and expanding sanctions, travel bans, and legal penalties for supporters. The decision imposes sweeping sanctions and is seen as underscoring a rare moment of US-Pakistan security alignment, arriving just as army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir engages in high-level talks in Washington. Pakistan's foreign office said it outlawed the BLA in 2006 and banned the Majeed Brigade on July 18, 2024. Both have been blamed for 'heinous' acts, including the March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking, which killed more than 30 people, and the Khuzdar bus bombing, which claimed dozens of civilian lives. The US move came as Munir made his second high-level visit to Washington in two months, sparking speculation over expanded cooperation on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional stability. Security analysts say the designation reflects converging US-Pakistan interests in Balochistan, a province rich in minerals and home to the strategic Gwadar port. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors are going crazy for these comfy, stylish, easy-on shoes Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo The BLA and Majeed Brigade have repeatedly targeted Chinese nationals, infrastructure, and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in an attempt to derail investment and development. Pakistan has intensified military operations in Balochistan in recent months, killing more than 50 suspected militants linked to BLA splinter groups in Zhob, Kech, and Gwadar. Officials believe US backing will help choke off funding, disrupt safe havens, and counter online propaganda. For Islamabad, the US designation is more than a symbolic victory, it is a strategic opportunity to align international action with domestic priorities in its decades-long battle against insurgency.
