Five tribesmen abducted by militants linked to the Baloch Liberation Army have been released after a tense three-month standoff with the Rind tribe in Balochistan, tribal sources confirmed.
According to sources, militants belonging to the faction of exiled BLA terrorist leader Hyrbyair Marri had kidnapped five men — three from the Rind tribe and two from the Lashari tribe — from a Rind tribal area nearly three months ago.
The militant group allegedly demanded a heavy ransom for their release. Sources said the demand was seen as an attempt to exert financial pressure on the tribe and undermine the authority of tribal chief Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind.
How the Rind Tribe Responded to the BLA Kidnapping
Instead of paying the ransom, Sardar Rind reportedly mobilised armed tribal members and responded by detaining 18 suspected BLA operatives from mountainous areas where militants were believed to be hiding.
The move triggered a prolonged standoff between the tribe and the militant group. Sources said that after nearly 90 days of intense pressure and negotiations, the BLA agreed to release the five abducted tribesmen without any ransom in exchange for the release of its detained members.
The freed individuals include three members of the Rind tribe and two from the Lashari tribe.
Sarfaraz Bugti Praises local Resistance to Militants
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Bugti welcomed the development in a statement shared on social media.
Bugti praised the role played by Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, saying the strength of Balochistan’s tribal system lies in protecting their own people and allied communities.
“The protection of our people and brotherly communities — whether Baloch or otherwise — is our responsibility,” the chief minister said.
He described the step taken by the tribal leader as commendable and urged other tribal leaders across Balochistan to show similar resolve to prevent militant groups from gaining space in the province.
