Pakistan has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant outfits in the Balochistan province as “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The term means “Discord of India” or “Indian Mischief.” It underscores Pakistan’s claim that these groups are foreign-backed, particularly by India. It rejects the view that they are indigenous freedom movements. In August 2025, the US State Department designated the Fitna al-Hindustan (FAH) and its military wing, the Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This followed months of Pakistani diplomacy and intelligence sharing with Washington. A wave of FAH violence in Balochistan drew international attention to Islamabad, including not only suicide bombings but also the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express. That attack killed 31 civilians and held 300 others hostage. Pakistani authorities presented these acts as heinous crimes at the UN and other forums. According to the Pakistani UN envoy, there was credible evidence that the train attack had foreign sponsorship by regional rivals. The US move signaled Washington’s acceptance of Islamabad’s narrative of a foreign-fueled insurgency.
Source: X/@myfox8
Persistent Diplomacy and Intelligence Sharing
Persistent diplomacy and intelligence sharing played a significant role in this decision. During state visits and strategic dialogues, Islamabad continued to highlight the FAH attacks and its ties with foreign intelligence. Pakistani leaders emphasized that designating terrorists is crucial to preventing extremism, and US officials agreed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the FTO listing demonstrated the Trump Administration’s commitment to fighting terrorism. Pakistan didn’t just lobby; they presented hard facts. An analyst in Islamabad described the US move as a major policy shift, indicating deeper cooperation in counterterrorism and suggesting Washington’s concern for Pakistan’s security issues over Baloch insurgents.
Source: Al Jazeera
Baloch separatists also opposed resource extraction by Pakistani and foreign companies and have attacked Pakistani security forces and Chinese workers involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Despite government claims of quelling the insurgency, violence continues in Balochistan. Recently, troops killed 47 terrorists in two operations in Zhob district, with three more militants killed on Tuesday, totaling 50 since last Thursday. Meanwhile, an explosion occurred at an arms depot in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident. Eventually, US authorities acknowledged the evidence presented by Pakistan, and the FAH and Majeed Brigade were added to the FTO list.
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Strategic Timing and Shared Interests
The FTO designation came at a strategic moment. It followed COAS General Asim Munir’s visit to Washington. He even attended a private White House lunch with President Trump, a rare gesture that showed goodwill. The Washington Post noted the State Department’s move coincided with his trip. During the visit, the two governments signed a major trade deal to develop oil and gas in Balochistan. The province is rich in resources but battered by insurgents. Analysts say the US action rewards Pakistan’s cooperation and secures American access to Balochistan’s energy. It shows Washington wants a stable, resource-rich province and values Pakistan’s stability. In effect, the US now echoes Pakistan’s stance. It treats the FAH as a violent separatist group, not a liberation movement, bringing its policy closer to Islamabad’s narrative on Baloch militancy.
Institutional Counterterror Gains
The FTO listing yields Pakistan tangible counterterrorism gains beyond symbolism. It makes it illegal for anyone, even third parties, to support the FAH or Majeed Brigade on US soil. The move increases pressure on the group’s networks and financiers worldwide. Pakistani officials point out that the FAH was already blacklisted, including as an SDGT, since 2019. But the FTO label is a higher bar. It criminalizes all dealings with the group. By working closely with US intelligence and sharing details of attacks on Karachi Airport and Gwadar Port, Pakistan gains advanced cooperation to track terrorists. Islamabad hopes this will isolate the FAH’s external backers and cut off their logistical support.
Alignment of Global Counterterror Narrative
The US decision also weakens rival narratives. Islamabad has long said the Balochistan insurgency is not a legitimate struggle. It calls it terrorism fueled by outside forces. By using Pakistan’s language and calling the FAH a terrorist group, Washington rejected claims that Baloch militants are freedom fighters. This marks a clear win for Pakistan’s counterterror diplomacy. Pakistani officials praised the move as proof of success. The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a significant step toward curbing terrorism. He said it confirmed Islamabad’s long warnings about the FAH’s brutality.
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Conclusion
The U.S. FTO listing for the FAH and Majeed Brigade is a diplomatic win for Pakistan. Islamabad used persistent advocacy, intelligence sharing, and commercial outreach to sway US policy. The move crowns years of Pakistan’s campaign against FAH violence. It brings US counterterror goals in line with Pakistan’s security agenda. Pakistan highlighted attacks like the Bolan train siege and Gwadar bombings. It worked closely with US agencies. As a result, Washington now sees Balochistan unrest as terrorism. The decision shows the Trump Administration’s commitment to fighting groups that threaten Pakistan. It is the stance Islamabad has long urged. For Pakistan, it is a clear counterterrorism victory that strengthens its narrative at home and abroad.
