Former Pakistan Army Captain Rehman Gul Named New Chief Of Baloch Liberation Army

Islamabad: A former captain in the Pakistan Army has now become the new Commander-in-Chief of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has taken up arms against the same country. The organisation has entrusted this responsibility to Rehman Gul alias Murid. He was earlier posted in the 19th Frontier Force Regiment of Pakistan Army. After leaving the army he joined the BLA and rose to the top leadership of the organisation. The news of the appointment came out on 14 November. According to the statement of the BLA spokesperson, the Senior Command Council has selected him unanimously after mutual deliberations. 

Who is Rehman Gul?

Rehman Gul is also known as Ustad Murid and Murid Baloch in BLA. He is a resident of Noshki area of Balochistan. According to a 2025 profile by the Jamestown Foundation, an organisation working on security issues, he joined the Pakistan Army in 2002 and served in the 19th Frontier Force Regiment for about eight years. While in the army, he was posted in North and South Waziristan and also in Kotli area of Kashmir. In the year 2010 he joined BLA. 

After joining the organisation, he took up different responsibilities. He was also associated with the BLA's Majeed Brigade, considered the organisation's suicide bombing wing. According to the Jamestown Foundation report, Rehman Gul played a role in training the fighters of this brigade and in operational activities. Till now he was involved in the senior leadership of the organisation.

What is his connection with Majeed Brigade?

Majeed Brigade is counted among the most famous and deadly units of BLA. It is accused of carrying out several attacks targeting Pakistan's security forces and important targets. The name of this brigade also came into discussion after the suicide attack targeting Chinese citizens at Karachi University in 2022. BLA has been targeting Pakistan's security system and projects related to China for its attacks.

Rehman Gul has experience working in the Pakistani Army. In such a situation, security analysts can see his becoming the head of the organisation as an important development. However, one cannot draw conclusions based on military background alone as to how much the BLA's capabilities or strategy will change.

What is BLA and why is there conflict with Pakistan?

Baloch Liberation Army is an armed separatist organisation of Pakistan. Its stated objective is to separate Balochistan from Pakistan and create an independent country. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area. It has large reserves of mineral resources like natural gas, copper, gold and coal, but it is among the economically backward areas of the country.

BLA alleges that the Pakistan government uses the natural resources of Balochistan, but the local population does not get its proper benefits. The organisation also opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He claims that this project is increasing external control over the land and resources of the local people. The Pakistani government and security forces have been taking action against this organisation.

Will change of leadership increase Pakistan's challenge?

Rehman Gul's appointment comes at a time when BLA had recently announced the removal of its former chief Bashir Zeb from the post. According to the organisation, the Senior Command Council decided to change the leadership. After this the process of selection of the new chief was completed. 

Handing over the command to a former army officer adds a new aspect of experience to the leadership of BLA. Rehman Gul has knowledge about the functioning and security system of Pakistani Army. However, what will be the further strategy of the organisation and how much impact the change of leadership will have on the ground struggle will become clear in the coming times.