South Korea has imposed its highest-level travel restriction on Balochistan, urging its nationals to cancel planned visits and those already in the region to leave amid an increase in attacks by Baloch pro-independence armed groups.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Level 4 restriction, the most severe under the country’s four-tier travel advisory system, took effect across Balochistan at 11pm on August 31.
Seoul said the decision was taken because of growing concerns over armed attacks and deteriorating security conditions in Balochistan.
According to the ministry, attacks by what it described as “separatist armed groups” against the Pakistani military and police had increased, leading to frequent security alerts across the region.
It also noted that the Pakistani government had designated parts of Balochistan as restricted areas where visitors are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate, or NOC.
“South Korean nationals planning to visit the region should cancel their trips, while those currently there should withdraw to a safe area,” the ministry said.
Under the law, those who visit or stay in areas under the highest-level travel ban without special permission can be punished.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor developments in Pakistan and consider further changes to its travel warnings.
The decision comes amid a sharp increase in attacks by Baloch pro-independence armed groups across Balochistan this year.
In January, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out coordinated attacks in 14 cities across Balochistan under “Operation Herof II.”
The BLA said its fighters took control of several locations during the operation and maintained their presence in some areas for days as clashes with Pakistani forces continued.
The group claimed that hundreds of Pakistani military and police personnel were killed during “Operation Herof II.”
The BLA has also maintained what it calls an “economic blockade” on major highways across Balochistan for several months.
Under the campaign, armed fighters have repeatedly established blockades and targeted Pakistani forces and commercial vehicles along major trade routes, including the Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-Taftan highways.
The attacks and repeated highway blockades have severely affected commercial activity and transport across several parts of Balochistan.