On November 3, a deadly attack on the Pakistan Army along the coastal highway in Tehsil Pasni, Gwadar district, claimed the lives of fourteen personnel, including a junior commissioned officer. This highway is a vital part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, connecting Gwadar to Karachi. This region has witnessed previous attacks on the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. A coalition of armed organizations, Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar, has claimed responsibility for these attacks in past. The Saturday’s attack was carried out by Balochistan Liberation Front.
Pakistan views the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a solution to its economic challenges, but Balochistan’s nationalist and freedom-loving organizations and political parties have consistently expressed concerns about the project. They believe it to be exploitative, leading to demographic changes and further strengthening Pakistan’s grip on Balochistan with China’s support.
Baloch armed groups are actively targeting projects associated with the corridor in an effort to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army’s Majeed Brigade has carried out lethal attacks on China’s economic interests and engineers, issuing threats of more such attacks unless the project is abandoned, and China withdraws from Balochistan.
Pakistan has been trying to attract international investors and countries to invest in mining and other ventures in Balochistan. However, the ongoing conflict in Balochistan makes it an unfavorable environment for foreign investment. Regardless of Pakistan’s assurances, foreign investments in Balochistan projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, will remain at risk as long as Baloch national forces continue to oppose these initiatives.