Bad news for Pakistan and China due to…: US blocks key move at United Nations involving BLA and Majeed Brigade – Here’s what happened

Pakistan and China have suffered a setback at the United Nations after the United States reportedly blocked their joint effort to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade unit as terrorist organizations under the UN Security Council’s sanctions framework.

The proposal had been submitted to the UN Security Council’s 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee last year. However, reports indicate that the United States, along with France and the United Kingdom, prevented the move from advancing this month.

Pakistan and China Sought UN Action

Pakistan and China jointly requested that the BLA and Majeed Brigade be placed on the UN blacklist under the 1267 sanctions regime. Pakistan argued that both groups were involved in militant activities and posed a threat to regional security.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, had told the Security Council that several militant organizations, including ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, BLA and Majeed Brigade, were operating from bases in Afghanistan.

He urged the UN to take swift action against the groups and support efforts to curb their activities.

US, UK and France Halt the Proposal

The effort faced resistance from the United States, France and the United Kingdom, all permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power.

The development is being viewed as a diplomatic setback for both Pakistan and China. Pakistan currently serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term and has been actively pushing counter-terrorism initiatives at the UN.

Observers also note that China has previously blocked several India-backed proposals seeking sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorist groups under the same UN mechanism.

What Are BLA and Majeed Brigade?

The Balochistan Liberation Army is a Baloch nationalist separatist group active in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The organization seeks an independent Baloch state and claims that local people do not receive adequate benefits from the region’s natural resources.

Pakistan considers the BLA a terrorist organization and accuses it of carrying out attacks on security forces, civilians and infrastructure projects.

The Majeed Brigade is regarded as the BLA’s elite wing. It is known for conducting high-profile operations, including suicide attacks. Pakistani authorities say the group has targeted security personnel, government installations and, in some cases, Chinese projects and workers operating in Balochistan.

The latest UN development highlights continuing disagreements among major powers over how such groups should be treated under international sanctions mechanisms.