ISLAMABAD:
The Australian government on Friday imposed anti-terrorism financing sanctions on the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its senior leaders “for their participation in and support of terrorist attacks.”
In announcing the sanctions, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the BLA had carried out “violent terrorist attacks” across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and foreign nationals, as well as the Pakistani state.
“The Australian Government today imposed counter-terrorist financing sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army and three senior leaders for their participation in and support for terrorist attacks,” Wong said in a statement on the Foreign Minister’s official website.
“The Australian Government’s commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism is unwavering. These sanctions help cut off financial support to terrorists, making it more difficult for them to finance operations, recruit and spread their harmful ideology,” she said.
Wong said the BLA had 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,” she 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) to Instrument 2026 of the Charter of the United Nations (scheduled persons and entities).”
The lists also mention BLA aliases and affiliates including the Baloch Liberation Army, Fitna al-Hindustan, Majeed Brigade, Fateh Squad, Zephyr Bureau of Intelligence Research and Analysis, Qazi Aero Hive Rangers, QAHR, Hakkal, Fidayeen Squad, Special Tactical Operations Squad, 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 breaching an Australian sanctions law include heavy fines and up to 10 years’ imprisonment. “Australia’s counter-terrorism sanctions are targeted, proportionate and designed to maintain international peace and security,” Wong said.
