Islamabad, Pakistan: An incident in Balochistan has left a Pakistani soldier dead and 16 others injured after clashes with a group identified as part of the Baloch Raji Muchi, a movement advocating for the rights of ethnic Baloch people. The violent encounter occurred during a gathering in Gwadar port city led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee to protest alleged human rights abuses and other issues in the region.
The military in Pakistan has condemned the actions of the violent protesters, describing their actions as unacceptable. They have vowed to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety and order of the region. The clashes have prompted a shutdown of Internet and communication services in parts of Balochistan.
Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has been a site of a low-level insurgency by separatists for the past two decades. The Pakistani government denies allegations of unfair exploitation of the province’s wealth and accuses neighboring countries of stoking tensions and funding the insurgency. In response to the recent protests, authorities in Quetta implemented restrictive measures to prevent further unrest.
Protesters have taken to the streets in various districts of Balochistan, demanding the release of detained members and unrestricted movement to protest sites. The ongoing protests have disrupted normal life in the region, with major highways blocked by demonstrators. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has given the government a deadline to meet their demands or face an escalation of protests.
The protests in Balochistan have raised concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key infrastructure project in the region. The unrest poses challenges to the implementation of massive transport, energy, and infrastructure projects funded by Beijing. Balochistan’s Home Minister has suggested foreign involvement in instigating the protests, while emphasizing the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters.
As tensions continue to escalate in Balochistan, authorities are working to maintain peace and address the grievances of the protesters. With highways blocked and daily life disrupted, the situation remains volatile as both sides seek to find a resolution to the ongoing unrest in the region.