Balochistan: Unabated Protests Against Enforced Disappearances Continue
China-Pakistan Grand Plan Thwarted In Gwadar
China, in collaboration with Pakistan, has heavily invested in Gwadar to develop it into a major port and, covertly, a naval base. These investments include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China has committed billions of dollars to advance its economic and military interests, including the construction of a multi-billion-dollar airport, scheduled for inauguration on August 14, 2024.
When the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced a Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar to protest the ‘Baloch Genocide’ by the Pakistan Army and other institutions, Pakistan’s army-appointed Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti threatened to prevent the event, citing concerns that it would interfere with the airport’s inauguration.
On August 14, the anticipated launch day of Gwadar International Airport, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) successfully disrupted events organized by Pakistani intelligence agencies in Quetta, Kalat, Mangchar, Kharan, Turbat, Barkhan, and Gwadar. Multiple explosions targeted both the airport inauguration and the Navy in Gwadar.
BLA spokesman Azad Baloch took responsibility for these attacks, which were carried out with precision, avoiding harm to civilians. Despite extensive security measures, the BLA managed to thwart the grand plans of China and Pakistan.
The BLA is known for its adept use of guerrilla warfare, striking at opportune moments to maximize impact while minimizing its losses. Their strategy involves well-planned operations that achieve significant political and military objectives with minimal casualties. This includes psychological warfare aimed at exhausting the enemy and maintaining operational secrecy, allowing the BLA to secure substantial gains with relatively few resources.
On August 14, the BLA demonstrated its strategic prowess by achieving a significant political and military victory without incurring any losses to either the general public or its fighters.
This action mirrors a previous attack on Gwadar during the visit of Chinese and Pakistani dignitaries, which garnered extensive international media coverage and impacted Pakistan’s global economic and political standing. It also sent a strong message to China and the international community: anyone supporting Pakistan’s genocidal policies and exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources will not be allowed a foothold on Baloch land against the wishes of the Baloch nation.