BLA escalates attacks, threatening China’s investments in Balochistan

Balochistan is a large and important region that is divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Recently, it has been in the news due to a dramatic incident involving a separatist group called the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). On March 11, the BLA hijacked the Jaffer Express train, taking over 200 passengers hostage. They demanded the release of missing Baloch activists. After two days, the standoff ended with conflicting reports from both the Pakistani army and Baloch rebels, highlighting the rebels' ability to launch significant attacks. The incident is part of a long-standing conflict in Balochistan, which is rich in natural resources like copper, gold, coal, and natural gas, yet remains economically poor. Despite its wealth, the local population feels marginalized, and foreign interests, particularly from China, have increased tensions. China has invested heavily in Pakistan, committing USD 62 billion through its Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to secure access to Balochistan's resources. This has fueled local anger, making the region one of the most unstable in Asia. The Baloch National Army has emerged recently, aiming to resist both the Pakistani military and China's growing influence. The group has targeted not only Pakistani forces but also Chinese projects and citizens, putting China’s investments at risk in Balochistan, especially those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).