Women Warriors in Balochistan

September 25, 2026

The operational landscape in Balochistan has witnessed a major tactical shift as female combat units belonging to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) carry out direct armed assaults targeting Pakistani security convoys and military installations. A Pakistani military convoy was ambushed recently near Turbat in Balochistan, and this was claimed by the newly formed female unit of the BLF. The unit, which goes by the name Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD), ambushed a convoy of the Pakistan Army’s Action Task Force on the CPEC highway near Jusak, which is close to Turbat. Women in Balochistan were no longer merely passive observers of the separatist movement. Over time, their involvement expanded from activism and political mobilisation to support roles for the BLA and BLF. The significant change now is the reported direct participation of women in attacks targeting Pakistani security forces. One of the first known cases of direct involvement by a woman was that of Shari Baloch. She carried out a suicide attack at the Karachi University’s Confucius Institute in April 2022. Three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack. Shari Baloch was attached to the BLA, and she set the stage for more women to join the female units of this group. That year, Kareena Rafiq carried out a vehicle-borne attack against a Frontier Corps facility in Nokundi. A year later, the BLA too said that its women’s squad was involved in the February 2026 offensive against the Pakistani forces that was called Operation Herod 2.0. The BLA then went on to make a formal announcement regarding the formation of its women’s wing. It appointed Shahnaz Baloch as its commander. These developments that took place within the BLA and BLF marked a major shift in the style of operations, and this only added to the already existing woes of the Pakistani establishment. As the days go by, these women’s groups are only going to get stronger. At first, it was thought the male members of the BLA and BLF were the ones placing the women in front. However, the fact is that these women are joining these groups voluntarily and are ready to be part of dangerous missions such as suicide attacks. The women in Balochistan are completely aligned with the cause of the BLA and BLF. While some have gone on to become part of the attack squads, many still spread political messages, raise funds, take part in protests and also support families of the fighters. It has become like one big family whereby everyone feels the need to be involved in this battle against the Pakistani establishment.