New Delhi, Oct 8 – Pakistan’s Balochistan province is under fire from the Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA) and the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The country, which is negotiating a major minerals deal with the United States and gearing up for China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor Project 2.0 (CPEC 2.0), has to give its partners solid security guarantees.
The Pakistani army admits it has struggled to clamp down on these insurgent groups. In an effort to keep foreign investors and aid flowing, Islamabad has quietly set up “death squads” in Balochistan. The mission is overseen by Mir Shafiq‑ur‑Rehman, a tribal chief from Khuzdar who has long worked with the Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI).
Rehman is tasked with coordinating weapons smuggling and the actions of extremist groups, including the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Reports say he is also bringing in elements from Lashkar‑e‑Taiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammed. The goal is to create a network of armed units that can strike at BLA and TTP targets – and, according to critics, may also target innocent Baloch civilians.
Human rights organisations worldwide have blamed the army for widespread abuses in Balochistan, including torture, forced disappearances, and even acts that have been described as genocide. These allegations damage Pakistan’s reputation and hurt its chances of securing U.S. military aid and Chinese investment.
The U.S. and China are wary of investing in a country whose army faces genocide claims. If violence escalates or U.S. interests in the region feel threatened, Washington might increase support. Meanwhile, Islamabad claims the new strategy will keep the region stable enough for foreign trade.
Some analysts warn that the shadow war may backfire. “It’s a dangerous game,” one expert said. “If the U.S. or Chinese partners uncover these covert operations, Pakistan could face serious backlash and lose support.”
As the arms shipments continue to flow into Balochistan, the situation remains tense. The world watches closely to see whether Pakistan can balance security concerns with its need for international investment and aid.
Source: ianslive
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