Australia has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation and imposed targeted financial sanctions on the group and three of its senior leaders, Australian media reported.

The announcement was made by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who said the decision was taken because of the group’s involvement in violent attacks in Pakistan.

According to the Australian government, the BLA has carried out multiple attacks targeting civilians, security forces, infrastructure and foreign nationals in Pakistan. Authorities also linked the group to a surge in violence in early 2025 that reportedly caused hundreds of deaths across several districts.

Australian media reports said the banned outfit had been involved in multiple suicide bombings and attacks.

Under the sanctions, Australian authorities will freeze assets linked to the organisation and the designated individuals, while any financial dealings with them will become a criminal offence.

Officials said violations of the sanctions could result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and prison sentences.

Wong said the measures were aimed at disrupting terrorist financing networks and limiting the ability of extremist groups to recruit members and spread militant influence.

“Australia remains committed to countering terrorism,” Wong said, adding that Canberra would continue working with international partners to dismantle violent networks.

The Australian foreign minister also said the BLA had targeted civilians, installations and state institutions in Pakistan.

Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Pakistan, have already designated the BLA as a terrorist organisation.

According to Diplomatic Insight, the move also reflects expanding security cooperation between Australia and Pakistan.

Officials from both countries said recent collaboration has increased in areas including counterterrorism, law enforcement training, cybercrime investigations and immigration control under a joint working framework.

The partnership builds on earlier agreements dating back to 2005 and has included intelligence sharing, joint security training programmes and coordination on international security arrangements, including sporting events.

Australia said its counterterrorism sanctions regime is designed to remain targeted and aligned with international peace and security objectives.