Following the US designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate the Majeed Brigade (TMB) as foreign terrorist organisations, a leading human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch strongly criticised the move, asserting that the Baloch are not terrorists but victims of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Mir condemned Pakistan’s decades-long repression in Balochistan, citing 78 years of state-led violence, economic exploitation, radioactive fallout from nuclear tests, and occupation by what he described as “extremist Pakistan.”

He warned that IS-Khurasan, an ISIS offshoot allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has issued a fatwa targeting Baloch political groups. Despite NATO supply lines running through the region post-9/11, he noted that no Baloch fighters or civilians ever attacked US forces, while Pakistan’s military hosted anti-American rallies and harboured terrorists, including Osama bin Laden.

Calling Pakistan a “rogue state in military uniform,” he said that it has time and time again proven itself to be a “liability” to global peace, economic stability, and international trust. The human rights activist stated that recognising Balochistan’s independence would give the US an ally, which is, he said, moderate, stable, and aligned with democratic values.