‘How can army ignore us?’: BLA releases video of captured Pakistan soldiers pleading for help
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video purportedly showing Pakistani soldiers in their custody, sparking a heated debate over the authenticity of the footage. The individuals in the video claim to be serving members of the Pakistan Army, presenting official service cards and national identity documents as proof. They plead with authorities, questioning why the military would deny their existence, especially since they were formally recruited and assigned postings. The BLA released this video as part of a self-declared deadline for a prisoner exchange involving individuals it refers to as "prisoners of war."
The BLA claims that three days remain before its deadline expires, following recent assertions that it had captured multiple Pakistani military personnel during operations labeled as "Operation Hero 2.0." These claims have not been officially confirmed by Pakistani authorities, who have yet to respond to the BLA's proposed exchange or address the authenticity of the video. Critics have raised doubts about the footage's credibility, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions in Balochistan, a region with a long history of conflict and separatist movements. The BLA's actions are likely intended to draw international attention and pressure Pakistan to acknowledge what it calls "Operation Hero 2.0." While the video has gained traction on social media, particularly through outlets like the Balochistan Post, its authenticity remains in question, leaving both local and global audiences with more reasons to closely monitor this unfolding situation.
The broader implications of this incident are significant for regional stability and international relations. The BLA's strategy may aim to challenge Pakistan's narrative on counterterrorism and insurgency, potentially garnering support from sympathizers or raising concerns among neighboring countries. For readers interested in world affairs, this story underscores the complexities of insurgencies and the lengths groups will go to achieve their objectives, even if it means leveraging captured personnel as pawns in a high-stakes game of credibility.
Ultimately, whether the video is real or fabricated, it reflects the volatile nature of conflicts in regions like Balochistan. The BLA's actions serve as a reminder that such groups are willing to
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026