Home to about 15 million of Pakistan’s estimated 240 million people, according to the 2023 census, Balochistan remains the country’s poorest region despite being rich in natural resources such as coal, gold, copper, and gas. These resources generate substantial revenue for the federal government.

The BLA is one of the largest militant outfits demanding independence for Balochistan. It is designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan as well as the US.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist insurgent group based in Pakistan, grabbed headlines on Tuesday with a deadly hijacking of a passenger train. Militants took over 100 people hostage and killed at least six soldiers in one of the most audacious attacks in recent years.