Ex-Pakistani army captain becomes BLA chief:Trained Fidayeen Majeed brigade, replaces Bashir Zeb after failure to execute major attacks

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has appointed former Pakistani Army captain Rehman Gul as its new commander-in-chief. Gul served in the Pakistani Army for eight years before rebelling against it, reportedly after witnessing military brutality in Balochistan. He joined the BLA in 2010 and later played a key role in training its Majeed Brigade, which carries out suicide attacks. Before his appointment, Bashir Zeb was leading the organisation. He was reportedly removed from the position over his failure to carry out major attacks in Pakistan. Rehman Gul belongs to Balochistan Rehman Gul, also known as Ustad Mureed and Mureed Baloch, hails from the Noshki area of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. His influence within the BLA grew steadily after he joined the organisation in 2010. Before becoming commander-in-chief, he served as its deputy commander. His appointment is significant because of his former association with the Pakistani military. His eight years of service reportedly gave him knowledge of the army’s structure, operational strategies and counterterrorism methods. Appointment seen as a strategic move by BLA Gul’s elevation to the top position is being viewed as a strategic move by the separatist organisation. Security experts believe his military background and understanding of Pakistan’s security operations could help the BLA plan its activities. His experience with military tactics and counterinsurgency operations could potentially provide the organisation with insights into the Pakistani Army’s functioning. BLA demands a separate country The Balochistan Liberation Army is an armed separatist organisation that seeks independence for Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Founded around 2000, it follows an ethnic-nationalist ideology rather than a religious one and claims to fight for Baloch identity and political rights. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area and is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, copper, gold and coal. Despite its mineral wealth, the region remains among the country’s least developed areas. The BLA alleges that the Pakistani government exploits the province’s natural resources without giving local residents their fair share. It has also accused Islamabad of political discrimination and violating the rights of the Baloch population. The organisation also opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and related infrastructure projects. It claims these projects primarily benefit external interests rather than the local population.