ISLAMABAD:
The Australian government on Friday imposed anti-terror funding sanctions on the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its senior leaders “for their involvement in and support for terrorist attacks”.
Announcing the sanctions, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the BLA has carried out “violent terrorist attacks” across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and foreign nationals, as well as the Pakistani state.
“The Australian Government has today imposed anti-terrorist financing sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army and three senior leaders, for their involvement in and support for terrorist attacks,” Wong said in a statement posted on the Foreign Minister’s official website.
“The Australian Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism is unwavering. These sanctions help cut off financial support for terrorists, making it more difficult for them to fund operations, recruit and spread their harmful ideology,” he said.
Wong said the BLA has carried out violent terrorist attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and foreign nationals. “We remain committed to working with our international partners to confront and dismantle the networks that fuel threats to our security,” he said.
According to the government list, the BLA is active in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. It said the sanctions were imposed on May 8 “in accordance with Amendment (No. 1) of the United Nations Charter (Listed Persons and Entities) Instrument 2026.”
The lists also mention aliases and affiliates of the BLA, including the Baloch Liberation Army, Fitna al-Hindustan, Majeed Brigade, Fateh Squad, Zephyr Intelligence Analysis and Research Bureau, Qazi Aero Hive Rangers, QAHR, Hakkal, Fidayeen Squad, Special Tactical Operations Squadron, Bashir Zaib, Hammal Rehan and Jeeyand Baloch and others.
Under the new sanctions, it would be a criminal offense to use or deal with the assets of, or make assets available to, a listed person or entity. Penalties for violating an Australian sanctions law include heavy fines and up to 10 years in prison. “Australia’s counter-terrorism sanctions are targeted, proportionate and designed to defend international peace and security,” Wong said.
