On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially designated the Pakistan-based Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its armed wing, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The BLA had previously been listed as a Specially Designated Terrorist Group (SDGT) in July 2019. This designation marks a diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has long accused the BLA and its Majeed Brigade of being proxies supported by India to foment instability in Pakistan. The U.S. move supports Pakistan's narrative and is expected to pave the way for the United Nations to list these groups as terrorist organizations, a step that was previously blocked by P5 member countries including the U.S. The designation follows deadly attacks attributed to the BLA, including a March 2025 train attack in Balochistan. Pakistan welcomed the U.S. decision, viewing it as a reinforcement of joint counterterrorism efforts against threats posed by groups such as the BLA, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The designation was announced shortly after Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's visit to the U.S., with former President Donald Trump expressing full support for Pakistan's position. The U.S. Department of State's action significantly increases pressure on the militant group and underscores the critical importance of coordinated counterterrorism strategies between the U.S. and Pakistan.