IslamabadPakistan's latest trend of turning Balochistan province into a war zone has sparked debate over the role it plays in promoting violence and terrorism in carrying out wide-ranging targeted attacks on security forces. Political and security analysts believe that the unstable situation in Afghanistan is the main factor behind the regrouping and targeted attacks by separatist terrorist organizations with foreign support to terrorist groups from other neighboring countries.
In the latest series of attacks by terrorist groups in Balochistan, dozens of security personnel have been killed, while a large number of terrorists have also been killed in bombings, clashes, ambushes and heavy gunfire. "Given the vastness of the region, loose controls on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the involvement of foreign elements, the resurgence of militancy in the province is not unexpected," said retired Lieutenant General Tanat Masoon.
Route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Balochistan province holds significant importance as it is the route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Militant groups have been targeting sensitive security installations along the CPEC route and border line areas with major attacks, resulting in the death of at least 20 Pakistani soldiers. On January 28, 10 soldiers were killed in an attack on a security checkpoint in Kech area near the Pakistan-Iran border. It was one of the deadliest attacks claimed by the separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
On February 3, terrorist attacks in Panjgur and Noshki districts, targeting security posts and installations, were foiled by Pakistani security forces, resulting in the death of at least seven personnel and 13 terrorists. Analysts believe that the 600-km-long coastline of Gwadar under the $64 billion CPEC project, the Afghan Taliban capture in Afghanistan, India's support for Baloch separatist groups and finally Iranian terrorist groups including Zainbiyun, are the major factors behind the unrest in Balochistan. are among.
'Balochistan was forcibly included in Pakistan'
Balochistan separatist groups have always been opposed to the CPEC project, accusing China of stealing their resources. Separatist groups have also opposed the province's inclusion in Pakistan, claiming that it was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan during the end of British colonial rule in 1947. The analysts also say that the vastness of Balochistan province with extensive mountains and uncultivated terrain; The province has become the most suitable place for terrorist organizations to regroup.
