Islamabad: The violence in Pakistan's Balochistan province has raised China's concerns. The insurgent group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), launched Operation Harof on Saturday (January 31), targeting Pakistani army camps and government offices. This violence in Balochistan is claimed to have resulted in 300 to 400 deaths on both sides. China is concerned because it has investments in several projects in Gwadar and Balochistan, where hundreds of Chinese workers and engineers live. China fears that its employees could be targeted by insurgents. Consequently, China has placed a security guarantee on Pakistan.
CNN-News18, citing top diplomatic and security sources, claims that China has expressed serious security concerns to Pakistan following a new wave of attacks in Balochistan. Expressing concern, China has demanded firm security guarantees from the Pakistani government for its personnel and the project.
China halts project work
According to reports, China has temporarily suspended ground operations in Gwadar and several parts of Balochistan due to the current situation. China has evacuated its on-ground staff from several locations. Chinese technicians and engineers stationed in Gwadar have been evacuated by special flights as a precaution. Chinese teams will temporarily remain in Islamabad or other safe cities.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zhaodong met with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on the issue. He stressed the need for firm security arrangements to resume project activities. Ishaq Dar assured the Pakistani government of the safety of Chinese personnel and the project. However, China does not yet see conditions conducive to resuming operations.
Insurgents wreak havoc from Gwadar to Quetta
The insurgent group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has launched Operation Herof, targeting Pakistani Army positions. Attacks on military bases and clashes between insurgents and security forces have been ongoing in Balochistan since Saturday. Firing has also occurred in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, and near the strategically important Gwadar Port for Pakistan.
Top commanders of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have personally taken to the ground and announced the launch of the second phase of Operation Herof. The group has described it as a campaign to protect the motherland. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Army is conducting operations to suppress the insurgency. The Pakistani Army has killed several Baloch insurgents in retaliatory action.
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