Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says group had carried out violent attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure, foreign nationals, and state institutions\
CANBERRA: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 9th, 2026) The Australian government has announced counterterrorism financing sanctions against the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and several of its senior leaders over their involvement in and support for terrorist activities.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the group had carried out violent attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure, foreign nationals, and state institutions.
Australia’s decision follows similar action by the United States last year, when Washington designated the BLA and its Majeed Brigade faction as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), further tightening international scrutiny on the group and its operations.
She said Australia’s commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism remained “unwavering,” adding that the new sanctions were aimed at disrupting financial networks that enable such organisations to operate.
According to Wong, the measures are designed to cut off funding channels used by terrorist groups, making it more difficult for them to finance operations, recruit members, and propagate extremist ideologies.
She further stated that Australia would continue to work closely with international partners to dismantle networks that pose security threats globally.
Under the sanctions regime, it is now a criminal offence in Australia to deal with assets belonging to listed individuals or entities, or to provide them with financial resources. Violations of sanctions laws can result in significant fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
The foreign minister added that Australia’s counterterrorism sanctions are targeted and proportionate, with the objective of supporting international peace and security.
Pakistan has consistently called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to designate the BLA as a terrorist organisation, citing its involvement in multiple deadly attacks that have resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel.
Earlier this year, in January, coordinated attacks across several towns in Balochistan reportedly led to significant casualties, including security personnel and civilians. Following these incidents, Pakistani security forces launched large-scale operations in the region.
Officials in Balochistan have also accused India-backed elements of involvement in destabilising activities in the province, a claim rejected by New Delhi.
