The Voice News : Pakistan is intensifying its counterterrorism operations in the mineral-rich province of Balochistan after a suicide bombing on a school bus in Khuzdar killed five high-school girls and five soldiers. The attack, which also injured 51 people including 37 children, has been blamed by Islamabad on Indian agents, amid rising tensions with New Delhi following recent air strikes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to relentlessly pursue those responsible, declaring that the “architects, abettors and enablers” would be brought to justice. The government has instructed national media to label Baloch rebel groups as “agents of Indian chaos” in their coverage. India has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, and condemned the loss of lives. Indian officials also accused Pakistan’s intelligence agencies of orchestrating previous attacks in Kashmir, charges Pakistan denies.
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, Islamabad is focusing on securing its western borders, while managing tensions on its eastern front with India. Analysts note that stability in Balochistan is crucial for China’s $64 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which links Xinjiang to the strategically important port of Gwadar on Balochistan’s coast.
Since 2004, Baloch insurgents have targeted Chinese workers and infrastructure in the region, complicating development efforts. The situation is further strained by the possibility of CPEC expansion into Afghanistan, which would require a stable Afghan-Pakistani border.
Pakistan’s cooperation with neighboring Iran has increased after last year’s cross-border attacks, including intelligence sharing aimed at countering terrorism. However, ongoing regional instability could challenge this cooperation in the future. Baloch insurgents operate from bases along the Iran-Pakistan border and Afghan provinces adjacent to both countries.
Since a dramatic hijacking of a train in March, which resulted in 64 deaths, Pakistani security forces have stepped up operations against rebel groups, blaming “Indian proxies” for the violence. Recent military actions, including drone strikes on insurgents, highlight Islamabad’s commitment to crushing the insurgency.
Experts say Pakistan is motivated to end the 20-year conflict to attract foreign investment needed to develop vast reserves of copper and other critical minerals. A recent deal with Canadian mining company Barrick Gold and interest from China, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. underline the economic stakes. Pakistan is expected to become one of the top producers of critical metals by the decade’s end.
“This economic potential depends on resolving security issues first,” said Farwa Aamer from the Asia Society Policy Institute. “Global investors and partners will support Pakistan’s efforts, at least rhetorically.”
Political analyst Fahd Humayun of Tufts University described the intensified counterterrorism campaign as a positive development for Pakistan and regional stability, urging the international community to welcome and encourage these efforts.