In a strategic move to combat terrorism, Pakistan and China are intensifying diplomatic efforts to place the Majeed Brigade—a notorious suicide wing of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)—on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions list. This comes in the wake of a recent terrorist attack near Jinnah International Airport, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers.
China has previously attempted to convince the UNSC Sanctions Committee to sanction the Majeed Brigade but faced opposition from certain member states that cited insufficient evidence against the group. However, with renewed urgency following the attack, both nations are committed to pushing this initiative forward.
As China holds a permanent seat on the UNSC, and Pakistan is set to begin a two-year term as a non-permanent member starting January 1, 2025, the two countries plan to leverage their positions to advocate for the Majeed Brigade’s inclusion on the sanctions list. The UNSC 1267 Committee, responsible for overseeing sanctions against terrorist entities, has the power to impose asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes on those listed.
This committee has been instrumental in global counter-terrorism efforts since its establishment in 1999, primarily targeting individuals and groups linked to Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIL (Daesh). However, achieving consensus among the UNSC’s permanent members can be challenging, as they hold veto power, raising concerns about potential opposition to the listing of the Majeed Brigade.
Observers remain skeptical about the support for this initiative, as some permanent members may have their interests aligned with Baloch terrorist outfits. The Majeed Brigade has been implicated in numerous attacks against Chinese nationals and interests over the years, first emerging in 2011 with a targeted attack on Chinese workers in Dalbandin.
Given the recent escalation in violence against Chinese investments in Pakistan, both nations argue there is compelling evidence of the Majeed Brigade’s involvement in terrorist activities, making it imperative for the UNSC to take action. As Pakistan and China embark on this renewed diplomatic push, the effectiveness of their efforts remains uncertain in the complex landscape of international relations.
