Balochistan: BLA sets deadline for release of Baloch prisoners, threatens to kill captured soldiers

Lahore: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have captured 17 Pakistani soldiers. The BLA says it has released 10 of them and warned the Pakistani government that it will release the remaining seven only if it releases the detained Baloch people. Pakistan has been given a week's time to do so. Jiand Baloch, a spokesperson for the BLA's media wing, Haqqal, described this move as the second part of Operation Heroof.

Why were 10 soldiers released?

According to the statement, the 10 soldiers who were released are ethnic Baloch men associated with the local police organization. They were released with a warning. The group further stated that the remaining soldiers are associated with the Pakistani army. The case was heard in the Baloch National Court. The detained soldiers were accused of carrying out actions against civilians and also face charges of genocide against Baloch people. During the hearing, the detained Pakistani soldiers were also allowed to present their side of the story. During this period, evidence was presented and statements were recorded before the verdict was announced.

What has the BLA alleged?

The BLA stated that it has given Islamabad seven days to exchange prisoners. The statement also accused Pakistan of failing to act on previous exchange proposals. It also stated that if action regarding the exchange of prisoners is not initiated within seven days, the sentence imposed by the court will be executed. Currently, there has been no statement from the Pakistani government or military on this matter.

It is noteworthy that the disappearance of some people in Balochistan is gaining momentum. It is being reported that Pakistani security agencies are involved in this matter. In fact, all of them were abducted during a raid. There is no information about them after that. The families of the missing are distraught and worried. They are protesting with photographs of their loved ones. However, they have not yet received any concrete information. This incident is reported to be in Panjgur and Karachi.