BLA Targets Pakistan Airport Security Force in High-Profile Abduction

The kidnapping of a senior official from Pakistan’s Airport Security Force (ASF) has raised serious concerns about the country’s security system. The banned militant group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility for abducting Waseem Ahmed, who serves as the Deputy Director and Commanding Officer of the ASF. The incident reportedly took place on a major highway in the Kalat district of Balochistan, a region that has long witnessed insurgent activity and clashes between separatist groups and Pakistani security forces. According to statements released by the BLA, its intelligence wing, known as “Ziraab,” had received information about the movement of two ASF officers in the area. Acting on this intelligence, BLA fighters allegedly set up an operation on the highway and intercepted Waseem Ahmed while he was traveling on official duty. The militants claimed they successfully identified and surrounded his vehicle before taking him into custody. BLA spokesperson Zeend Baloch later issued a statement to the media confirming the group’s involvement in the abduction. The organization also stated that more details regarding the operation and the hostage situation would be released soon. Local reports suggest that Ahmed’s vehicle was stopped by armed fighters near Kalat, after which he went missing. The incident is being viewed as a major embarrassment for Pakistan’s security agencies. The Airport Security Force functions directly under Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense and is responsible for safeguarding airports and aviation facilities across the country. As Deputy Director and a senior commanding officer, Waseem Ahmed held an important position within the force. His reported capture by insurgents has sparked criticism over the effectiveness of security measures in Balochistan. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has remained unstable for years due to separatist movements and militant attacks targeting security personnel and government infrastructure. The BLA is one of the most active insurgent groups in the region and has carried out several high-profile attacks in the past. The alleged kidnapping of such a senior ASF official highlights the growing security challenges faced by Pakistan in the province. Authorities have not yet released a detailed official statement regarding the incident, while security forces are reportedly investigating the matter and attempting to locate the abducted officer.