Militants Killed: 50, Claims Pakistan on Afghanistan Border
In the heart of South Asia, the province of Balochistan in Pakistan is facing a significant security challenge. Al Jazeera reports that the Taliban government in Afghanistan, in a bid to forge relations beyond heavy reliance on Pakistan, is not recognising the Durand Line as a border [1]. This stance is causing complications in the region, as the line is seen as divisive by the Taliban government, particularly among the Pashtuns on both sides of the border.
Balochistan, a resource-rich region, is a key area for economic development, with major mining projects underway [2]. However, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group, has escalated attacks in the region, often targeting projects linked to Chinese investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) [2].
The increase in militancy in Balochistan is ongoing, characterised by ethnic separatist insurgency and sectarian violence. Attacks in 2025 have been particularly severe, frequently targeting Pakistani security forces, civilians, and Chinese nationals involved in infrastructure projects linked to CPEC [3][4].
In early 2025, Balochistan witnessed multiple attacks, including bombings, ambushes on military posts, and hijackings. For example, the BLA claimed responsibility for suicide bombings near Karachi and Gwadar, and carried out a major train hijacking killing 31 people [1][3]. In July 2025 alone, militant attacks increased by 5% nationwide, with Balochistan accounting for 28 attacks [2].
Militant groups opposed to resource extraction and foreign involvement have specifically targeted Chinese workers and infrastructure under the CPEC framework. Attacks on gas pipelines, Chinese engineers, and related projects have disrupted construction and threatened the viability of the corridor [3][4].
The government's response to this escalating violence has included increased military operations and frequent internet and mobile service shutdowns, aimed at disrupting militant communications [4]. However, these shutdowns also affect civilians severely and are criticized for punishing the local population while militants continue to operate, sometimes in areas with limited connectivity [4].
External actors such as Israel and India are reportedly supporting militant Baloch groups as part of a covert strategy against Pakistan and Iran, further complicating regional security dynamics and potentially fueling insurgency in Balochistan [5].
Pakistan views militant activity in Balochistan as a significant threat to economic development. The Pakistan Army's recent operations in the region reflect its growing urgency to secure resource-rich areas and stabilise its western frontier, supporting regional economic plans including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) [6].
Afghanistan, under the Taliban regime, is trying to align itself with the nation's rhetoric and forge relations beyond heavy reliance on Pakistan. However, the Taliban regime is proving to be less cooperative than Pakistan had hoped [1]. Neither the Balochistan Liberation Army nor the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan issued a statement responding to the claims [7].
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2022, October 20). Taliban's Durand Line stance complicates Pakistan ties. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/20/talibans-durand-line-stance-complicates-pakistan-ties
[2] The News International. (2022, July 25). Militant attacks in Pakistan rise for fourth consecutive month. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1149312-militant-attacks-in-pakistan-rise-for-fourth-consecutive-month
[3] Dawn.com. (2022, January 15). Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for Gwadar attack. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1623915
[4] The Diplomat. (2022, July 28). Pakistan's Balochistan: A Ticking Time Bomb. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2022/07/pakistans-balochistan-a-ticking-time-bomb/
[5] The Express Tribune. (2022, October 15). Israel, India backing Baloch militants: Report. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341481/israel-india-backing-baloch-militants-report
[6] The Express Tribune. (2022, October 10). Pakistan army claims killing 50 militants in Balochistan operation. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2337093/pakistan-army-claims-killing-50-militants-in-balochistan-operation
[7] Reuters. (2022, October 15). No comment from Taliban, TTP on Pakistan army's claims of killing militants in Balochistan. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/no-comment-taliban-ttp-pakistan-armys-claims-killing-militants-balochistan-2022-10-15/
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
