‘6 days left’: BLA claims Pakistan soldiers in custody; sets deadline again
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has issued a renewed warning to the Pakistani government, stating that six days remain for Islamabad to respond to its demand for a prisoner exchange involving seven alleged Pakistan army personnel detained during recent attacks in Balochistan.The statement follows a message released on Sunday through its media wing, Hakkal. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group had activated a seven-day countdown, setting a deadline of 15 February 2026 for the government to formally express readiness for a swap.The BLA warned that if there is no “tangible progress” within the stipulated timeframe, it will carry out what it described as “court sentences” handed down by a self-styled “Baloch National Court”.The ultimatum follows the second phase of the group’s so-called “Operation Herof”, during which the BLA claims to have detained 17 individuals in coordinated attacks across the insurgent region.As of Monday, there has been no official response from the Pakistan government.According to the rebel group, 10 of those detained — identified as ethnic Baloch affiliated with local policing units or Levies — were released after being “warned”, a move the organisation said was in the “broader interests” of the local population.“The remaining detainees are members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. Proceedings were convened in a Baloch National Court, where the captives faced accusations ranging from involvement in actions against civilians to aiding enforced disappearances and taking part in the genocide of the Baloch people. During the hearing, the men were allowed to respond to the allegations, evidence was presented, and statements were recorded before a guilty verdict was delivered,” the statement read.BLA also maintained that they have convened what it called a “Baloch National Court” where the captives were tried for accusations ranging from involvement in actions against civilians to aiding enforced disappearances and taking part in what the organisation labels genocide.Islamabad has historically maintained a policy of not negotiating with banned separatist organisations, including the BLA.The BLA has accused the authorities of disregarding previous exchange proposals and “failing to prioritise the lives of their personnel”.
