Authorities temporarily halt mobile data usage across Balochistan province for a span of three weeks.
In the heart of South Asia, the province of Balochistan, Pakistan, continues to grapple with a significant security challenge. The primary source of unrest is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States [1][3][4].
Terrorist Activities
The BLA's violent attacks against Pakistani security forces have resulted in casualties among soldiers and officers. A recent roadside blast claimed the lives of an officer and two soldiers [1]. The group also targets Chinese nationals and infrastructure tied to multibillion-dollar Chinese projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to disrupt resource extraction and development initiatives in Balochistan [1].
U.S. Designation and Impact
The U.S. designation of the BLA as an FTO entails freezing its assets, criminalizing support and funding of the group, and imposing travel bans on its members and leadership. This move is expected to restrict the BLA’s financial and operational capabilities internationally and enhances Pakistani and U.S. cooperation in counterterrorism efforts [1][2][3][4][5].
Pakistani Military and Counterterrorism
Pakistan is actively engaged in combating the BLA insurgency, emphasizing its role as a bulwark against terrorism. Pakistani authorities are coordinating with the U.S. to develop effective counterterrorism measures addressing threats posed by the BLA, aiming to stabilize the region and secure key infrastructure projects [1][5].
Impact on Chinese Projects
The BLA's opposition to resource extraction and infrastructure associated with Chinese investments poses a direct threat to the smooth progress of Chinese Belt and Road projects in Balochistan, such as energy development and transport corridors. Attacks on personnel and installations related to Chinese entities have been a recurrent tactic used by the militants to disrupt these ventures [1].
One such project is the Gwadar Port, built by China, located in Balochistan [9]. The BLA has been responsible for several attacks on senior officers and has increased its attacks on Pakistani military targets in recent weeks [6].
Current Measures
In response to the ongoing security threats, the Pakistani government has suspended cell phone data services in Balochistan province for three weeks [7]. The suspension aims to block communications among terrorists [8]. Additionally, Pakistan has recently banned road travel to Iran due to security threats [10].
Despite these challenges, it is crucial to remember that Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by size, borders Afghanistan and Iran and has a population of 15 million, making it less populated than other provinces in Pakistan [2]. The total investment in the Belt and Road programme in Pakistan by China is $65 billion [3].
As the international community and Pakistan continue their efforts to combat terrorism in Balochistan, it is hoped that stability and security will be restored, allowing for the successful progress of key infrastructure projects and the peaceful development of this strategically important region.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 20). Balochistan Liberation Army designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization by US. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/20/balochistan-liberation-army-designated-as-foreign-terrorist-organization-by-us
[2] Dawn. (2025, September 1). Balochistan: Pakistan's largest province by size. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1647243
[3] Global Times. (2025, March 1). China's Belt and Road investments in Pakistan total $65 billion. Retrieved from https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1257817.shtml
[4] Reuters. (2025, August 20). US designates Pakistan's Balochistan Liberation Army as foreign terrorist group. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-designates-pakistans-balochistan-liberation-army-foreign-terrorist-group-2025-08-20/
[5] The Diplomat. (2025, September 1). Pakistan, US Coordinate Counterterrorism Efforts Against Balochistan Liberation Army. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/09/pakistan-us-coordinate-counterterrorism-efforts-against-balochistan-liberation-army/
[6] The Express Tribune. (2025, September 1). Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for attack on vehicle. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364294/balochistan-liberation-army-claims-responsibility-for-attack-on-vehicle
[7] The News International. (2025, September 1). Cellular services suspended in Balochistan. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/856617-cellular-services-suspended-in-balochistan
[8] The Express Tribune. (2025, September 1). Cellular data services suspended in Balochistan to block communication among terrorists. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364288/cellular-data-services-suspended-in-balochistan-to-block-communication-among-terrorists
[9] China Daily. (2025, September 1). Gwadar Port: A key Chinese Belt and Road project in Balochistan, Pakistan. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2025-03/01/content_17603785.htm
[10] The Express Tribune. (2025, September 1). Pakistan bans road travel to Iran due to security threats. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364285/pakistan-bans-road-travel-to-iran-due-to-security-threats
- Ira's interest lies in the impact of the U.S. designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on the BLA's investments and financial capabilities, given the potential restrictions on funds and travel bans for its members.
- The general-news coverage following the designation of the BLA as an FTO noted an increased concern over crime-and-justice matters in Balochistan, Pakistan, as a result of the escalating conflict between the Pakistani security forces and the BLA, which has led to tragedy among soldiers and officers, as well as the disruption of key Chinese investments in the region.
- The political landscape of Balochistan, Pakistan, is significantly influenced by the BLA's activities and its opposition to resource extraction and infrastructure associated with Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This tension between the BLA and the international community, including China, poses a challenge for the peaceful progress and development of the region.
