BLA Gives Final 24-Hour Ultimatum For Hostage Exchange with Pakistan

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has warned Pakistan of a 24-hour deadline to negotiate a prisoner swap concerning more than 200 hostages from the Jaffar Express. If Pakistan fails to act, hostages will be tried in the Baloch National Court, escalating the ongoing conflict.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has issued a final 24-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government for a prisoner exchange, following the BLA's continued hold over the Jaffar Express and over 200 hostages. The press release states that if no action is taken within this period, the hostages will face trial in the Baloch National Court.

Initially, the BLA had given a 48-hour deadline for Pakistan to negotiate, a period that lapsed without any meaningful engagement from the Pakistani side. The BLA accuses the Pakistani government of insincerity and failure to prioritize the safety of its military personnel, whom they allege are participants in 'state terrorism' and 'war crimes' against the Baloch people.

The press release accuses the detained, including intelligence agents, police, and paramilitary forces, of crimes such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The BLA underscores that any court proceedings will be fair and swift. However, if Pakistan fails to engage seriously in negotiations, repercussions will be grave and immediate, with execution threats against hostages for prolonged delays.

(With inputs from agencies.)