BLA announces seven-day deadline for Pakistan on prisoner exchange

Balochistan [Pakistan], February 15 (ANI): In a statement issued by Hakkal, the media wing of the Baloch Liberation Army, BLA's spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claims the group has detained 17 members of Pakistani security forces during what it describes as the second phase of "Operation Herof," releasing ten of them while keeping seven in custody and conditioning their fate on a potential prisoner exchange.

According to BLA, those freed were identified as ethnic Baloch connected to local policing structures, including Levies personnel. The group said they were let go after warnings, arguing that the move reflected what it termed ground realities and the broader interests of the Baloch population.

The remaining detainees are described by the BLA as members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. The armed group says it convened proceedings in what it calls a Baloch National Court, where the captives faced accusations ranging from involvement in actions against civilians to aiding enforced disappearances and taking part in what the organisation labels genocide.

Hakkal maintains that, 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.

Despite announcing the convictions, the BLA leadership says it has granted Islamabad seven days to formally indicate readiness for an exchange of prisoners of war. If such willingness is demonstrated within the timeframe, the group claims the seven detainees could be swapped for Baloch prisoners.

The statement further alleges that previous offers of exchanges were not pursued and accuses Pakistani authorities of failing to prioritise the lives of their personnel. It reiterates that implementation of the sentences would follow if no practical progress is made within a week. There has been no immediate official response from the military or the government, and independent verification of the claims remains difficult given limited access to conflict-hit regions. (ANI)

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