Quetta: Militants belonging to the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have begun kidnapping innocent civilians for ransom, according to Pakistani security sources, who say the group is increasingly relying on criminal activities to finance its operations.
Security sources stated that on 24 July, BLA militants allegedly abducted two individuals along with a courier company’s cash transport vehicle in the Khad Kocha area. According to the sources, on 26 July, the kidnappers reportedly threatened to kill the hostages unless the courier company paid a ransom of Rs250 million (25 million rupees).
The sources alleged that, in addition to carrying out militant attacks, BLA members have also been involved in bank robberies, vehicle hijackings, extortion and kidnappings for ransom. They claimed these activities demonstrate the group’s reliance on organised criminal networks to generate funding for its militant operations.
According to the security sources, such incidents not only support terrorist financing but also inflict significant harm on ordinary residents of Balochistan, local businesses and the province’s overall security situation. They argued that civilians are increasingly becoming victims of the group’s alleged criminal activities.
The sources further maintained that these acts are intended to spread fear and intimidation among the local population while undermining public confidence and disrupting normal economic activity in affected areas.
The claims were made by Pakistani security sources, and no independent verification of the allegations was immediately available. There was also no immediate public response from the BLA regarding the accusations. Authorities said investigations and security operations related to the incident are ongoing.
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