US, UK, and France halt Pakistan-China proposal to add BLA to UN terror list

A joint effort by Pakistan and China to have the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its specialized unit, the Majeed Brigade, added to the United Nations Security Council’s 1267 sanctions list has been temporarily postponed. The delay came after the United States, the United Kingdom, and France placed a technical hold on the proposal.

The proposal was presented to the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee, which is responsible for imposing sanctions on individuals and groups linked to Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and related entities. Being listed can lead to measures such as asset freezes, travel bans, and arms restrictions on an international level.

Sources close to diplomatic circles indicate that the three Western nations requested further information and evidence before making a decision. Consequently, the application is currently on hold rather than being approved or rejected outright.

Under UN procedures, a technical hold is a temporary measure that allows member states to request clarification, consult with other countries, or review additional evidence prior to a final decision. During this period, the proposal remains under consideration.

No formal objections to the hold have been received from other Security Council members. Neither the US, UK, nor France has publicly explained the reasons behind their decision, though diplomatic experts note that such holds are common when additional evidence or consultations are deemed necessary.

This development is a setback for Pakistan and China, which have long called for stronger international action against Baloch armed groups. Both nations have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks claimed by the BLA against Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China, which has significant investments in Pakistani infrastructure and energy projects, including developments in Gwadar port, has heightened its security concerns due to recent attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects. These incidents have increased Beijing’s push for international measures against the groups it blames.

Analysts suggest that the technical hold does not necessarily indicate opposition to the BLA or the Majeed Brigade. Instead, it reflects the view that the current evidence requires further review before meeting the criteria for UN sanctions.

The situation also underscores the differences between national and international terrorist designations. While the US designated both the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in August 2025, a UN listing involves a separate, multilateral approval process among Security Council members.

The BLA has rejected efforts to designate it as a terrorist group and criticized the US decision to list the Majeed Brigade as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The organization stated that the US move was an attempt by external powers to ignore the realities on the ground and support a colonial narrative. They affirmed that the BLA is a resistance movement fighting against what they see as the military occupation of Balochistan and that their struggle is rooted in national aspirations rather than external recognition.

Pakistan maintains that the group is responsible for acts of terrorism and poses a threat to national security.

Experts note that this situation illustrates the complexities involved in securing international sanctions through the UN. Factors such as legal standards, evidence requirements, and diplomatic considerations all influence the decision-making process.

For now, the proposal remains under review, and Pakistan and China may provide additional evidence or engage in further consultations with other Security Council members before a final decision is made.