Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet most underdeveloped province, has been a hotspot for insurgency, terrorism, and geopolitical contestation. The recent terror attack in Balochistan, which targeted security forces, infrastructure, and civilians, has once again underscored the province’s precarious security situation. Beyond its domestic impact, the attack carries significant regional and international implications, particularly for Pakistan’s relations with India, China, Iran, and Western powers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the attack’s origins, the regional and global responses, and the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts.
Balochistan’s Longstanding Struggle
Balochistan’s insurgency dates back to Pakistan’s independence in 1947, with the Baloch nationalist movement repeatedly clashing with the central government over autonomy and resource control (Harrison, 1981). The province remains critical due to its vast natural resources and strategic location, serving as the linchpin for the China-Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Economic Corridor (CPoKEC), which links China’s Xinjiang province to Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea (Small, 2020).
Historically, the Baloch people have accused the Pakistani state of economic marginalisation and political neglect. The latest wave of insurgency intensified in 2006 following the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, a prominent Baloch leader (Siddiqa, 2011). Since then, groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) have carried out attacks on security forces, government installations, and Chinese interests in the region.
Is the Recent Attack a New Phase of Insurgency?
All the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Image Credit: Reuters.
About the Author
Jaiee Ashtekar holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Mumbai. She holds a post-graduate diploma in international relations from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom (UK). She has done projects titled “Kashmir through Political Perception” and “Water issues between India and Pakistan.”
