Militant group warns of execution if negotiations fail; Pakistan yet to issue official response
The banned separatist outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that it is holding seven members of Pakistan’s security forces in custody and has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government in Islamabad for a prisoner exchange.
In a statement released through Hakkal, the group’s media wing, the BLA said the deadline has already entered its final phase, with six days remaining. The statement was accompanied by a video message reiterating the group’s demand for negotiations.
The claims have not been independently verified. There has been no immediate official response from the Pakistani military or government authorities regarding the alleged detentions.
Capture During “Operation Hero”
According to the BLA, the seven personnel were captured during what it described as the second phase of “Operation Hero.” The group alleged that a total of 17 members of Pakistani security forces were detained during the operation across multiple fronts in Balochistan.
The organisation stated that 10 of those detained were later released after it identified them as ethnic Baloch linked to local police forces. The decision to release them, the group said, was made in view of “ground realities,” local identity considerations, and what it described as the interests of the Baloch population.
However, the remaining seven detainees are reportedly members of regular units of the Pakistani army and continue to be held by the group.
Claims of “Proceedings” and Charges
The BLA claimed that the detained soldiers were subjected to proceedings conducted by what it termed a “Baloch National Court.” During these proceedings, the detainees allegedly faced charges including involvement in actions against civilians, aiding enforced disappearances, and participation in what the group described as “genocide” against the Baloch people.
The organisation stated that the accused were given opportunities to respond to the allegations, evidence was presented, and confessional statements were recorded. It further claimed that convictions had been announced, including a death sentence.
Despite this, the BLA said it would grant a seven-day grace period to allow for potential negotiations.
Offer of Prisoner Exchange
In its statement, the group said it is willing to exchange the seven detainees if the Pakistani state formally expresses readiness to swap them for Baloch prisoners currently held by Pakistani authorities.
“Baloch Liberation Army believes that even in war situations, principles, rules and mutual responsibilities exist,” the statement read. The group added that the decision now rests with the Pakistani government, warning that silence or inaction could lead to the execution of the detainees.
The BLA further claimed it had previously offered prisoner exchanges but alleged that Pakistani authorities did not pursue them.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan has consistently rejected the characterisation of its presence in Balochistan as an “occupation” and considers the BLA a terrorist organisation. The group is banned in Pakistan and has also been designated as a terrorist entity by several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
As of now, there has been no confirmation from official sources regarding the reported capture of the soldiers or any ongoing negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with attention now focused on whether Islamabad will respond to the ultimatum before the deadline expires.
