3.2.13. Balochistan nationalist groups

According to Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, an estimated 4 000 to 5 000 Baloch separatists were active across the Balochistan province.453 These movements were fuelled by repressive state conduct and local perceptions of the continued marginalisation of the population and economic exploitation of the province’s resources by the government454 and through projects launched as part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.455 As of April 2025, the Baloch insurgency encompassed around 10 militant factions, with the Balochistan Liberation Army Jeeyand faction (BLA-J), the BLA Azad faction (BLA-A) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) regularly claiming responsibility for attacks. The Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) organisation, formed in 2018,456 continued to act as a platform for Baloch and Sindhi militant groups to coordinate attacks in Balochistan and Sindh. It currently comprises the BLA-J, the BLF, the Baloch Republican Guard (BRG), and the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA).457

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Baloch nationalist groups have targeted security forces, infrastructure, and foreign investments,459 as well as non-Baloch workers and settlers, especially ethnic Punjabis.460 Sources referred to the BLA-J faction as the most active461 and lethal insurgent group in Balochistan in 2025. It seeks Baloch independence through armed struggle and operates as a decentralised network with cells spread across Balochistan.462 The group runs four special forces units,463 including the suicide unit Majeed Brigade and the Fatah Squad, as well as media and intelligence cells.464 Its operational focus lies on mobile and hit-and-run tactics, including suicide car bombings, IED attacks, ambushes, and blockades.465 Its targets include security forces,466 infrastructure, Chinese investments,467 and civilians in Balochistan, including off-duty security personnel468 and individuals travelling to Punjab.469 The Majeed Brigade has expanded its ranks to include female fighters.470 Amongst others, the deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by BLA-J in March 2025471 indicated an increase in the group’s operational capabilities.472

The BLA-A faction, traditionally weaker than BLA-J and BLF,473 operates a loose network of Baloch fighters under its exiled leader Hyrbyair Marri. During the reference period, it showed signs of a resurgence after having been relatively dormant since 2016, conducting its first suicide bombing, as well as low-profile bombings and ambushes. It also executed alleged state collaborators and security force members.474

The BLF concentrated on guerilla warfare, operating cells in central and southern Balochistan. In a new tactical development, its leader Allah Nazar Baloch allowed suicide attacks and included women fighters. A first suicide attack by the group, carried out by a woman, targeted a Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters.475 For further information on Balochi nationalist groups, including background information, see section 3.1.6. Balochistan nationalist groups of the EUAA COI report Pakistan - Country Focus (December 2024).