Balochistan Attacks Target China-Pakistan Projects

In a series of coordinated attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan, separatist militants have targeted development projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), resulting in over 70 fatalities, including soldiers and police. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assaults, asserting that the militants aim to disrupt Pakistan's relationship with China, which has invested significantly in the region's infrastructure, including a strategic port and mining operations. Experts have labeled the attacks a major security failure, highlighting the Baloch Liberation Army's improved strategic capabilities and tactical planning. The recent violence raises concerns about foreign investment in Pakistan and the ongoing threat posed by ethnic insurgents fighting for Balochistan's independence. Chinese authorities have reiterated their commitment to supporting Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, reflecting the region's critical importance to China's Belt and Road initiative. These incidents underscore the persistent instability in Pakistan's largest, yet economically deprived, province.