The deadline set by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) for the release of its detainees from Quetta has passed without any action from the Pak Army. This marks the third time that the BLA has agreed to a prisoner exchange, with no positive response from Pak Army.
The situation stems from a series of incidents beginning on July 12, 2022, when the BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) detained Pakistan Army Colonel Laiq Baig in the Ziarat area near Quetta. Two days later, Colonel Baig’s body was recovered from the Ziarat mountains.
In subsequent operations, the BLA detained additional Pak military personnel, including Junior Commissioned Officer Kaleemullah and Military Intelligence officer Muhammad Faisal in September 2022, and Subedar Mohammad Khan and Sepoy Abdul Rasheed in October 2023.
Prisoner Exchange Deadline
Despite repeated offers for prisoner exchanges from the BLA, the Pakistan military has responded with large-scale operations in the Harnai, Bolan, and Margat areas. Government officials continue to mention “negotiations,” but no concrete actions have been taken.
Attempts to reach Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Longo and the Commissioner of Sabi Division for comment were unsuccessful.
The BLA, along with other Baloch freedom fighters, are engaged in a long-standing struggle against the Pakistan’s forceful occupation of Balochistan since 1948. This occupation is aimed at exploiting the region’s rich resources. As the deadline passes, the situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of official response from Pak authorities raises questions about the potential for future negotiations.