In a significant diplomatic effort, China and Pakistan are advocating for the BLA Majeed Brigade in UNSC Sanction List. This group, identified as a suicide wing of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has been linked to multiple terrorist activities, raising alarms about security threats, particularly to Chinese nationals. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that both countries are particularly motivated following a recent attack near Jinnah International Airport, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two Chinese engineers.
Previously, Beijing attempted to persuade the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions Committee to place the BLA Majeed Brigade in UNSC Sanction List, but those efforts were hindered by certain member states that cited insufficient evidence against the group.
However, the urgency of the situation has led both nations to renew their commitment to this cause. As China remains a permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan is set to assume its role as a non-permanent member starting January 1, 2025, enhancing their collective influence within the council.
The UNSC 1267 Committee, established in 1999, oversees sanctions against individuals and entities associated with terrorism, focusing primarily on groups linked to Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIL (Daesh). This committee allows member states to propose individuals or entities for sanctions, which can lead to asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes. The BLA Majeed Brigade in UNSC Sanction List would serve as a crucial step in global counter-terrorism efforts, reinforcing the international community’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Both Pakistan and China assert that there is compelling evidence of the Majeed Brigade’s involvement in terrorist acts, making a strong case for its inclusion in the sanctions list. However, the outcome remains uncertain, as the UNSC sanctions committee operates on a consensus basis among its five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, with the potential for any of the permanent members to veto proposals.
Observers express skepticism about the support for this initiative, noting that some permanent members may have their own interests in keeping groups like the BLA Majeed Brigade active.
The Majeed Brigade has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Chinese nationals and interests in recent years, beginning with its emergence in 2011 when it targeted Chinese individuals in Dalbandin. The group has since conducted high-profile attacks, including on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, and the Confucius Institute at Karachi University.
Given the serious implications of the BLA Majeed Brigade in UNSC Sanction List, China and Pakistan’s joint efforts could mark a pivotal moment in addressing the escalating threats posed by this terrorist organization.
