In a recent appearance on a private television program, senior Pakistani politician, journalist, and former senator Mushahid Hussain voiced concerns about the security situation in Gwadar, the linchpin of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He underscored the urgent need to restore China’s confidence in the project, suggesting that discussions on CPEC in Washington could potentially unsettle Beijing.
Hussain highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, acknowledging China’s consistent support for Pakistan through various crises. However, he noted that current discussions surrounding CPEC, especially those involving Washington, might unsettle China due to the strategic nature of their relationship.
“The ground realities in Gwadar Port, a linchpin of CPEC, are far from satisfactory,” Hussain said, underscoring the need to address these security challenges to maintain the project’s progress. He argued that reviving CPEC, reassuring Chinese stakeholders, and restoring their confidence should be paramount among Pakistan’s foreign policy goals. This effort, he believes, is crucial for Pakistan’s economic independence and the strength of its relationship with China.
These remarks from Senator Mushahid Hussain come in the wake of the March 20 attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex by the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The Majeed Brigade, an elite unit of the BLA, is known for its operations targeting Pakistani and Chinese interests in Balochistan.
The BLA said that the attack was the fourth under ‘Operation ZirPahazag’, carried out by eight members of the Majeed Brigade against Pakistani intelligence agencies, including ISI and MI. The intense confrontation ensued for several hours, resulting in the deaths of intelligence officials, as well as several army and navy commandos and members of death squads.
According to the BLA, ‘Operation ZirPahazag’ is an armed effort to defend the coasts of Balochistan and resist the Pakistani state’s presence, which they view as an occupation. The BLA also aims to expel entities that are exploiting the region’s resources.