Pakistan’s counterterror diplomacy gets a decisive boost from the U.S. designation of the BLA/FAH as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Islamabad has long argued that the FAH is a violent, India-backed insurgency. It is not a legitimate separatist movement. The U.S. move gives global backing to this claim. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the country remains a steadfast bulwark against terrorism. And Pakistan has also achieved counter-terrorism successes for regional stability and global security. Pakistan is reaffirming its role as a partner in the global fight against terrorism. This alignment with international counterterror standards strengthens Islamabad’s credibility in forums like the UN and FATF. Even the Balochistan Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, praised the U.S. State Department’s decision to designate the FAH as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It helps show that Pakistan is combating all militant groups equally.
The U.S. designation of BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
provides Pakistan a golden opportunity to push for India’s placement on the FATF grey list for terror financing, while giving the state greater leverage to target BLA sympathisers in media, politics, & other sectors,… pic.twitter.com/wmjia00hKD— Farzana Shah (@Jana_Shah) August 11, 2025
Pakistan Strengthens Its Counterterror Diplomacy
The FTO listing will become a valuable asset to Pakistan at the international forums. In late 2022, Pakistan was removed from the FATF grey list following years of continuous reforms. It can now use the FAH designation to demonstrate that it is taking counterterror actions within the requirements of FATF and the UN. Diplomats can say that if a close partner like the US views the FAH as a terrorist militant group, then Pakistan’s ban is fully justified. One political expert observed that Washington has made this decision to indicate that it values stability in Pakistan, particularly in its oil and gas-rich Balochistan province. Pakistan can emphasize its commitment to combat all extremist groups in the UN Security Council, where Pakistan serves from June 2024 to 2025, and during regional meetings on counterterrorism. It can also push the international community to take action against the FAH’s backers, and bolster its image as a reliable ally in global counterterrorism.
Source: ForeignOfficePk
The declaration of the FAH as a terrorist organization supports Pakistan’s sovereignty, recognized by the international community. This move shows deeper counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan. It also signals a policy shift toward closer alignment with Islamabad. It also affirms Pakistan’s right to fight insurgents that threaten national security. This designation opens up opportunities for increased collaboration with global powers, especially the United States. It enhances intelligence sharing and joint counterterrorism efforts. As a result, it strengthens Pakistan’s strategic alliances. Additionally, it boosts Pakistan’s ability to stabilize the region.
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Global Shift: FAH No Longer Seen as ‘Freedom Struggle’
This international momentum may encourage other countries to follow suit. The U.K. already lists the FAH as a banned organization. India is widely accused of sponsoring Baloch militants. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has made this claim repeatedly. Pakistan can now use the U.S. designation to reinforce its warnings about cross-border terrorism. It can do so at every global forum. The decision changes the narrative globally. The FAH is no longer seen as a justified “freedom struggle.” It is now an internationally recognized terror network. Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stressed that “terrorism is terrorism; no cause justifies killing civilians.” This clear labeling helps Pakistan counter attempts by hostile media or foreign actors to glorify separatists. It is a key step in the propaganda battle.
Source: The News
The designation of the FAH as a terrorist organization by the U.S. is a significant change to the international perception of Baloch separatism. Some used to view the FAH as freedom fighters who wanted independence for Balochistan. It is currently viewed as a terrorist group globally. This is because it has been used in violent attacks such as the 2024 train hijacking in Balochistan, which led to the death of many people. The new classification undermines the arguments that FAH is a legitimate liberation movement. It also reveals the intolerance of the world to separatist violence. The FAH claims to be the voice of the Baloch people. But its violent methods have been widely criticized. These actions have isolated the group from potential international support. The move delegitimizes the FAH cause. It further enhances international solidarity in support of Pakistan concerning territorial integrity and counter terrorism.
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In 2019, the US listed BLA as a terrorist group, triggering asset freezes & visa bans. In 2025, the FTO tag was expanded to include its Majeed Brigade, widening sanctions, enabling global arrests & targeting any affiliates/supporters. For Pakistan, it’s more legal teeth abroad.
— Ali K.Chishti Official (@thewirepak) August 11, 2025
Conclusion
The U.S. FTO listing legitimizes Pakistan’s counterterror stance on the world stage. Pakistan can now point to the U.S. and the U.K. as proof that its view of the FAH aligns with global norms. At the UN, FATF, and other bodies, Islamabad can cite the designation to push for coordinated action against cross-border militants. The designation also changes the narrative: separatists in Balochistan are officially terrorists, not freedom fighters. Pakistan’s leaders and Balochistan’s governor now stress this as a unifying message. Overall, these outcomes strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic position and portray it as a proactive partner against terrorism rather than a sponsor of it.
