Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that the recent attacks by separatist militants in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan were aimed at halting development projects tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
These assaults, which began on Sunday and resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people, are among the most widespread by ethnic militants in recent years.
The militants are pushing for the secession of Balochistan, a resource-rich province that hosts significant China-led projects, including a strategic port and a gold and copper mine.
Targeting CPEC And Pakistan-China Relations
In a televised address to the cabinet, Sharif highlighted that the militants’ objectives are not only to disrupt CPEC projects but also to drive a wedge between Islamabad and Beijing.
CPEC, with development commitments estimated at $65 billion, is a cornerstone of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road initiative.
However, Pakistan has struggled to develop the infrastructure needed to fully exploit the mineral resources in the poverty-stricken region of Balochistan, relying heavily on China’s assistance.
Beijing has previously expressed concerns about the safety of its citizens working on these projects, particularly in Balochistan.
In March, six Chinese engineers were killed while working on a dam project in Pakistan’s northwest, underscoring the persistent security risks.
China Condemns The Attacks And Pledges Support
In response to the recent violence, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry strongly condemned the attacks in Pakistan.
During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, the spokesperson reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in its anti-terrorism efforts.
This condemnation underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan-China relations, particularly in the context of CPEC.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, which targeted police stations, railway lines, and highways across the province.
Balochistan, the largest yet least developed of Pakistan’s four provinces, has been a focal point for separatist violence, with militants consistently targeting the deepwater port of Gwadar, operated by China.
Widespread Insurgency In Balochistan
The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan has been driven by long-standing grievances over the distribution of resources and political power.
The province’s strategic importance, due to its vast mineral wealth and the presence of key CPEC projects, has made it a hotspot for militant activity.
The recent attacks mark a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about the security of both local populations and foreign investments.
China’s strong condemnation of the attacks and its pledge of continued support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts highlight the broader geopolitical stakes involved in the region.
As Pakistan and China continue to collaborate on infrastructure and development projects, ensuring the security of these investments remains a top priority.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
