The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday claimed it had detained 17 Pakistani soldiers during what it described as the “second phase” of its ongoing campaign, and issued a one-week deadline to Islamabad to negotiate a prisoner exchange for seven of them.

In a statement released by its media wing, Hakkal, and attributed to spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group said 10 of the detained personnel had been released, while seven remain in its custody.

10 soldiers released

According to the statement, the 10 individuals who were freed are ethnic Baloch and were allegedly associated with local policing structures. The BLA said they were released after being “warned,” describing the move as consistent with what it called the “broader interests” of the Baloch population.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Seven detainees face ‘court’ proceedings

The BLA asserted that the remaining seven detainees are members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. It claimed that proceedings were conducted in what it referred to as a “Baloch National Court,” where the soldiers faced accusations including actions against civilians and involvement in enforced disappearances.

The group stated that the detainees were allowed to present their responses and that evidence and statements were recorded before what it described as a guilty verdict was issued.

There has been no independent confirmation of these proceedings.

One-week ultimatum for exchange

Despite claiming convictions had been delivered, the BLA said it is giving the Pakistani government seven days to formally indicate its willingness to carry out a prisoner swap. It stated that the seven detained soldiers could be exchanged for Baloch prisoners if Islamabad agrees within the stipulated timeframe.

The group also accused Pakistani authorities of failing to act on previous exchange proposals and warned that it would carry out the court’s sentences if no progress is made within a week.

There was no immediate response from Pakistan’s military or government authorities regarding the claims.

The security situation in Balochistan has remained volatile in recent years, with periodic clashes between separatist groups and Pakistani security forces.