In Pakistan, between March 16 and March 26, there were five suicide bombings that resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people, including military personnel, Chinese nationals, and Pakistani citizens. Analysts believe that these attacks, specifically targeting Chinese interests, may indicate a new phase in Pakistan’s fight against armed groups.
China, a close ally of Pakistan, has invested heavily in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an infrastructure project connecting southwestern China to Gwadar port. The recent attacks on Chinese workers have prompted strong responses from both Beijing and Islamabad. While attacks on Chinese interests have occurred in the past, the motives behind the recent attacks remain unclear.
Groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have claimed responsibility for attacks in Balochistan, a province rich in resources but plagued by neglect and exploitation. The increase in violent incidents in Pakistan over the last two years has coincided with the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan. Various armed groups, including ISIS-K and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), pose significant threats to the country’s security.
While the TTP denied involvement in a recent attack on Chinese engineers, experts suggest that religiously inspired armed groups may be responsible. Baloch insurgent groups view China as an expansionist power taking resources without consent, leading to attacks on Chinese nationals. It is essential for the Pakistani government to address issues in Balochistan and prioritize the welfare and development of the region to mitigate the insurgency and ensure economic stability and security.