Amid increasing pressure on Chinese President Xi Jinping to safeguard Beijing’s interests and following months of calls from China for improved security, Pakistan on Tuesday announced a “comprehensive military operation” against separatist groups, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan. The region has witnessed a rise in deadly attacks, particularly targeting Chinese nationals and projects.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of political and military leaders on Tuesday, where he approved the operation, according to media reports citing his office. However, details about the operation’s nature — whether it will involve ground operations, air strikes, or cooperation with China or Iran — remain undisclosed, according to an Al Jazeera report.
At the time of reporting, it also remained unclear when the military operation will start.
On the same day, China, which has faced repeated attacks on its citizens and assets in Pakistan, unveiled plans for joint counterterrorism exercises in the country. Responding to media queries about potential collaboration in Pakistan’s operation, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian reportedly stated on Wednesday that Beijing “is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation” for mutual benefit, without offering further details.
Pakistan’s operation coincides with Iran’s ongoing military campaigns in its Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan, targeting separatist fighters.
Pakistan’s stated objective in Balochistan
According to media reports citing the Pakistani government, the military operation will target groups like the BLA, which Islamabad accuses of “targeting innocent civilians and foreign nationals to undermine Pakistan’s economic progress by creating insecurity at the behest of hostile external powers”. However, the timeline for the operation remains unclear.
Escalating violence in Balochistan
The BLA, the largest separatist group in Balochistan, has long waged an insurgency, accusing Islamabad of exploiting the province’s rich gas and mineral resources while neglecting local residents.
On November 9, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at Quetta’s crowded train station, which killed 26 people, including soldiers, police personnel, and civilians.
