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Attacks by separatist militants in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan have escalated, aiming to disrupt development projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reported on Tuesday that these assaults, which began on Sunday and resulted in over 70 fatalities, represent one of the most widespread waves of violence from ethnic militants in years.
Purpose Behind the Attacks:
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the objective of these terrorists is to halt CPEC and other critical development projects.
During a televised cabinet meeting, he stated that the militants aim to create discord between Islamabad and Beijing, thus jeopardizing vital foreign investment supporting regional development.
Significance of CPEC:
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key element of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, holds development commitments valued at $65 billion.
This initiative is crucial for improving infrastructure and economic growth in the resource-rich but impoverished region of Balochistan. However, Pakistan has struggled to fully develop the infrastructure necessary to exploit Balochistan’s mineral wealth, prompting a reliance on Chinese support.
China’s Response and Condemnation:
In response to the recent attacks, China condemned the violence and reiterated its intention to support Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China is prepared to enhance security cooperation with Pakistan to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.
This response follows concerns expressed by Chinese officials regarding the safety of their nationals working on projects in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.
Previous Attacks and Ongoing Threats:
The risk to Chinese workers has been highlighted by previous incidents, including the killing of six Chinese engineers in March while working on a dam project in northwest Pakistan. Additionally, separatist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have specifically targeted key sites like Gwadar port, which is under Chinese operation.
The BLA claimed responsibility for this week’s coordinated attacks on police stations, railway lines, and highways in Balochistan, involving hundreds of fighters, including seven suicide bombers.
Motivation of Militants:
Baloch separatist militants have long argued for a greater share of the region’s wealth, which is extracted from extensive mineral resources.
They contend that the central government has denied them their due benefits, leading to decades of unrest and violence in the region as they seek secession from Pakistan.
