ISLAMABAD:
The Australian government on Friday imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions against the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its senior leaders “for their involvement in and support for terrorist attacks”.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions, saying the BLA has carried out “violent terrorist attacks” across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and foreign nationals, as well as the Pakistani state.
“The Australian government has today imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions against the Balochistan Liberation Army and three senior leaders for their involvement in and support for terrorist attacks,” Wong said in a statement on the foreign minister’s official website.
“The Australian Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism is unwavering. These sanctions help cut off financial support to terrorists, making it more difficult for them to fund operations, recruit and spread their harmful ideology,” she said.
Wong said the BLA has carried out violent terrorist attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and foreign nationals. “We remain committed to working with our international partners to confront and dismantle the networks fueling threats to our security,” she said.
According to the government’s list, BLA is active in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran. It said the sanctions have been imposed on May 8 “under the United Nations Charter (Listed Persons and Entities) Amendment (No. 1) Instrument 2026”.
The lists also mention BLA aliases and affiliates, including Baloch Liberation Army, Fitna al-Hindustan, Majeed Brigade, Fateh Squad, Zephyr Intelligence Research and Analysis Bureau, Qazi Aero Hive Rangers, QAHR, Hakkal, Fidayeen Squad, Special Tactical Operations Squad, and others.
Under the new sanctions, it would be a criminal offense to use or deal with the assets of a listed person or entity, or to make assets available to them. Penalties for breaching an Australian Penal Code include large fines and up to 10 years in prison. “Australia’s counter-terrorism sanctions are targeted, proportionate and designed to maintain international peace and security,” Wong said.
