Jamal Solehri

BLA LEADERSHIP CHANGE EXPOSES INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLE AND STRUCTURAL DECAY The evolving Baloch separatist-terrorist landscape reveals a deepening crisis of leadership, internal cohesion and organisational control. Beneath the so-called claims of collective struggle, rival factions are increasingly consumed by power contests over funding, resources, operational authority and strategic decision-making. Bashir Zeb's removal from the BLA leadership structure exposes a major internal fault line. Despite the press release's attempt to portray the transition as "constitutional and consensual", the unprecedented departure of the organisation's leader raises questions about the internal power struggle behind the decision. The underlying contest reportedly revolves around control of funding, financial resources, external linkages, operational authority and strategic decision-making. The rivalry between Bashir Zeb and Rehman Gul alias Mureed reflects competing power centres, with Mureed reportedly consolidating influence over local leaders and financial networks. This is not merely a succession dispute; it is a struggle over who controls the organisation and determines its direction. A similar pattern of internal fragmentation is visible within Harbiyar Marri's BLA-Azad and its overseas political front, Free Balochistan Movement (FBM). A series of reported resignations and departures points to growing internal disillusionment, diminishing organisational cohesion and questions surrounding the Marri's leadership ability to retain control. Taken together, these developments expose a recurring pattern across rival separatist factions: leadership rivalries, competing financial interests and struggles over authority are increasingly challenging their organisational cohesion. It is also worth remembering that Bashir Zeb's BLA faction emerged from the 2017 split within BLA, when Bashir Zeb and Aslam Baloch broke away from the original leadership and established a separate faction. #Balochistan