The United States has blocked a joint proposal by Pakistan and China to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade under the United Nations’ 1267 terror sanctions regime, according to a report by The Economic Times.
After the United States designated The Resistance Front as a foreign terrorist organisation last year, Islamabad reportedly sought similar action against the BLA and the Majeed Brigade.
The two groups were later designated under US domestic sanctions, encouraging Pakistan and China to jointly push for their inclusion under the UN’s 1267 sanctions list.
Washington reportedly maintained that there was no clear evidence connecting either the BLA or the Majeed Brigade to Al Qaeda or ISIL.
Proposal reaches impasseWith the proposal effectively blocked, Pakistan is reportedly exploring alternative UN sanctions mechanisms through which the BLA and the Majeed Brigade could potentially be designated.
US argued there was insufficient evidence linking the two Baloch groups to Al Qaeda or the Islamic State, a key requirement for inclusion under the UN sanctions framework.
The United States has blocked a joint proposal by Pakistan and China to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade under the United Nations’ 1267 terror sanctions regime, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Washington reportedly argued that there was insufficient evidence linking the two Baloch groups to either Al Qaeda or the Islamic State (ISIL), a key requirement for inclusion under the UN sanctions framework. The move is also being viewed as a diplomatic setback for Pakistan and China, while aligning with India’s long-standing position on terrorism.
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Pakistan’s push at the UN
The designation of the BLA and the Majeed Brigade under the UN 1267 sanctions regime was reportedly a key part of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s efforts to portray India as a sponsor of terrorism.
Following the Pahalgam attack and India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan intensified diplomatic efforts to secure international action against the two Baloch groups. After the United States designated The Resistance Front as a foreign terrorist organisation last year, Islamabad reportedly sought similar action against the BLA and the Majeed Brigade.
The two groups were later designated under US domestic sanctions, encouraging Pakistan and China to jointly push for their inclusion under the UN’s 1267 sanctions list.
India secures backing from US, France
According to the report, India, with support from France, persuaded the United States to place a technical hold on the proposal at the UN Security Council.
Washington reportedly maintained that there was no clear evidence connecting either the BLA or the Majeed Brigade to Al Qaeda or ISIL. The initial hold was imposed for six months before being extended for another three months.
The report said the US has now finalised its position and informed other members that it will block the proposal. France and the United Kingdom reportedly backed the American position, while Russia remained silent during discussions due to its close relationship with China.
Proposal reaches impasse
With the proposal effectively blocked, Pakistan is reportedly exploring alternative UN sanctions mechanisms through which the BLA and the Majeed Brigade could potentially be designated.
The US decision is also being interpreted as a signal that Washington does not want to be seen aligning with China’s position on terrorism-related matters at the United Nations.
China’s record on terror listings
China has frequently blocked or delayed joint India-US efforts to designate individuals linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
According to the report, three Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives — Sajid Mir, Shahid Mehmood and Talha Saeed — remain outside the UN 1267 sanctions list due to Chinese objections.
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