QUETTA: Pakistan is working out the operational details, scope and scale of a planned military operation in the insurgency-plagued southwestern Balochistan province, officials said this week, with analysts saying pressure from Beijing had convinced Islamabad it was time to take on separatist militants in a region that is home to key Chinese Belt and Road projects.
Following a string of deadly attacks that have targeted its citizens in recent months, China has pushed to join security efforts to protect them and unveiled a plan on Tuesday for joint counter-terrorism exercises in Pakistan. On the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of civil and military leaders who gave the go-ahead for a “comprehensive operation” against separatist insurgents in Balochistan.
The statement from the prime minister’s office did not give any details of the operation, including whether it was limited to ground operations or could involve the air force, when it would be launched and in which parts of the vast, remote Balochistan province. It also did not mention if the plan would be a joint effort with Beijing and which Pakistani security agencies would take part.
“Nothing has been finalized yet because the meeting was held on Tuesday and further progress regarding the military operation will take time,” Wasim Akram, an information officer at the Ministry of Interior, told Arab News, adding that the scale of the operation and which forces would participate were details that were still being worked out.
Balochistan Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind and Special Secretary Home Department Abdul Nasir Dotani also did not share any specific details on the operation’s scope and scale.
“It was decided in the federal apex committee and it is clear it will be a comprehensive military operation,” Rind told Arab News.
Balochistan Home Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.
“PRESSURE FROM CHINA”
Pakistan’s military already has a huge presence in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran and is home to a decades-long separatist insurgency by militants fighting for a separate homeland to win a larger share of benefits from the resource-rich province. The government and military deny they are exploiting the province’s mineral wealth or ignoring its economic development.
The military has long run intelligence-based operations against insurgent groups, the most prominent being the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has escalated attacks in recent months on the military and nationals from longtime ally China.
The region is home to the Gwadar Port, built by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion investment in President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative to expand China’s global reach.
In addition to the recent attacks, the BLA also claimed a suicide bombing last month outside the international airport in the southern port city of Karachi that killed two Chinese engineers.
“There shouldn’t be any ambiguity that Pakistan is facing internal and external pressure, mainly from China, to launch this new offensive against Baloch separatist militants,” Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, a senior fellow at King’s College in London and a military affairs expert, told Arab News.
“There is increasing pressure from the Chinese government and they are not willing to financially assist Pakistan anymore until the security situation gets better … Pakistan has to demonstrate to the Chinese that we are doing something in Balochistan against Baloch militant groups.”
Shahzad Zulfiqar, a senior journalist who has been covering militancy in Balochistan for over two decades, concurred with Dr. Siddiqa, also pointing to reports that China was pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to protect thousands of Chinese citizens working in the South Asian nation.
“Though Pakistan has been taking action against militant groups involved in attacking Chinese nationals, now there is pressure from China which is asking Pakistan to work on a joint security mechanism because Chinese citizens are being targeted and are under threat,” he said.
The foreign office in Islamabad this month denied international media reports Beijing wanted its own security forces on the ground in Pakistan.
Pakistan had raised a security force to protect Chinese nationals and projects, particularly those operating under the CPEC umbrella, and “this security apparatus continues to provide security to Chinese CPEC projects inside Pakistan,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told reporters on Nov. 14:
“Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues including counterterrorism and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan … We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.”
“NO MILITARY SOLUTIONS”
Ethnic Baloch separatists have launched several insurgencies in Balochistan since the birth of Pakistan in 1947, including from 1948-50, 1958–60, 1962–63 and 1973–1977. An ongoing low-level insurgency began in 2003. The army has launched several military campaigns in response, including as early as 1948 in the state of Kalat and a five-year-long operation in the 70s under Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
“Many political governments have come and gone in Balochistan but the operation has continued,” Sardar Akhter Jan Mengal, head of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) and a prominent Baloch nationalist leader in the province, told Arab News.
“No one can resolve Balochistan’s political issue with military operations.”
Indeed, political leaders and independent analysts have for years urged the government to take a holistic approach to resolving Balochistan’s problems, which they say stems from decades of economic deprivation and political disenfranchisement. The province, which comprises 44 percent of Pakistan’s total land mass, is its most backward by almost all economic and social indicators.
Rich in land and mineral wealth, most parts of the region often lack even the rudiments of modern life. For instance, though home to Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, and the site of major Chinese investment projects, the province lacks employment opportunities and basic facilities like Internet, health and education.
Balochistan is also the least represented in Pakistan’s parliament, where legislative seats are allocated to provinces according to their population. Balochistan has a population of only 14.89 million people in a country of over 240 million and is hence allocated only 16 National Assembly seats. Punjab, with a much smaller land area but a population of 127.68 million, gets 141 seats.
Zulfiqar, the journalist, said military operations needed to be combined with social and economic development as well as “good governance” efforts to be successful.
“This will be the fifth military operation in Balochistan since 1947,” he said. “Military operations are not the only solution to bring peace and stability in Balochistan, there should be more options involved with the military operation, including dialogue and good governance.”
In fact, many fear another military operation in the province will further alienate its citizens, rights activists and political leaders, who have long accused security agencies of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings and other types of rights abuses in the name of cracking down on separatists. The state denies it is involved in such activities.
“This military operation will put more fuel in the fire of hate in Balochistan rather than extinguish it,” BNP’s Mengal said.
Nawab Aslam Raisani, a provincial lawmaker and a senior political and tribal leader in the province, also warned against a military operation.
“We haven’t seen any result of the use of military force,” he said. “This new decision of the apex committee to launch a military operation in Balochistan will push the federation toward more destruction.”
Pushed by Beijing, Pakistan plans military operation against Baloch separatists — analysts
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Pushed by Beijing, Pakistan plans military operation against Baloch separatists — analysts
- Government has announced operation but not shared details of scale, scope, whether it will be joint effort with China
- Analysts say military solutions will not work in Balochistan, plagued by low-level separatist insurgency since decades
Pakistan may import crude oil from US to lower tariff burden — official
- Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower US tariff burdens, which include buying more American oil
- High-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to travel to US to discuss American tariffs, trade imbalance
KARACHI: Pakistan’s government is mulling “very good options” which range from importing crude oil from the United States (US) to abolishing tariffs on American imports, an official privy to the matter said on Wednesday, as Islamabad attempts to offset a trade imbalance that has triggered higher tariffs from Washington.
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports to the US and higher duties on dozens of other countries. Pakistan faces a 29 percent tariff due to a trade surplus with the US of about $3.6 billion, although that is subject to the 90-day pause Trump announced last week.
The US is the largest buyer of Pakistan’s textile goods, importing goods worth $5.43 billion last year through June, according to State Bank of Pakistan. In return, cash-strapped Pakistan imported $1.88 billion worth of American goods, resulting in the trade imbalance.
Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower their US tariff burdens, and Pakistan is no different. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said last week Islamabad will send a high-level delegation to Washington to discuss the American tariffs.
“There have been talks of Pakistan potentially importing oil, soya been (oil) and cotton from the US. That’s already it,” an official who spoke to Arab News on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media, said.
The finance ministry did not respond to Arab News’ request for a comment till the filing of this report.
The official said the Pakistani delegation will inquire about the expectations of the American government regarding trade, which could include abolishing duties or non-tariff barriers against US products.
“Or they may ask us to buy more cotton from them,” the official said.
A senior official from Pakistan’s commerce ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity as well, said the discussions were at an “immature stage” and further meetings would be held to finalize them.
“What decisions are taken, what we offer to them, all options are being examined,” he said. “Everything is on the cards but what is finalized, that cannot be said right now.”
Pakistan spends about $17 billion annually on oil imports, most of which come from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is also counted among the largest buyers of cotton, which it uses as raw material for its huge textile industry. Most of Pakistan’s cotton imports come from the US.
As per official data, Pakistan spent more than half a billion dollars ($578 million) last year on the import of 204,890 tons of raw cotton and 119,845 tons of soya bean oil after the local harvest was found to be in poor quality.
In 2023, Pakistan began buying discounted Russian crude oil banned from European markets due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Muhammad Waqas Ghani, head of research at the Karachi-based JS Global Capital Ltd., said Pakistan faces limitations in diversifying its product slate when it comes to Russian crude oil.
He said this was because Russian crude oil yields a higher output of furnace oil. a less desirable fuel in the country’s evolving energy mix.
“Importing US crude could offer access to a wider range of crude grades, better aligned with Pakistan’s long-term goal of phasing out furnace oil,” Ghani explained. “This move would also open doors for improved trade terms and potentially pave the way for tariff relief which is our primary objective for now.”
‘OTHER VERY GOOD OPTIONS’
Pakistan’s cotton production has been hit hard by low quality of seeds and climate-induced calamities such as floods caused by excessive rains.
“Apart from that (US oil import) there are other very good options which are being discussed,” the official said.
However, he confirmed that none of these options had been finalized yet as the delegation would want to meet the American officials and gauge Washington’s expectations.
“Let’s listen to them first,” he said.
Pakistan’s financial experts and independent think tanks have advised Islamabad to establish trade agreements with emerging economies such as Africa or the Central Asian Republics (CARs) or reinforce existing partnerships with China or the Middle East.
Financial experts have also called upon the country to use America’s imposition of tariffs as an opportunity and diversity its exports market to other regions to mitigate potential losses.
Intense hailstorm smashes windows, damages vehicles in Pakistan’s capital
- Islamabad district administration says assessing damages caused by hailstorm in capital city
- Met Office forecasts more rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and its surrounding areas today
ISLAMABAD: An intense hailstorm and heavy rainfall battered Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and its surrounding areas on Wednesday evening, leaving several vehicles damaged and house windows smashed.
Footage on social media showed hailstones raining from the sky in Islamabad during Wednesday evening. Several Islamabad residents posted videos of their car windscreens smashed while others shared images of the windows of their houses damaged by hails.
Islamabad district administration said in a statement that its emergency teams were deployed to manage traffic and drain rainwater accumulated on the streets.
“The extent of the damage caused by the hailstorm is still being assessed,” Islamabad administration spokesperson said in a statement. “There are reports of broken windows of vehicles and houses in various areas.”
He added that rescue teams were immediately dispatched to key highways, while drainage work was already underway in several parts of the city to prevent water from accumulating on the roads.
An Islamabad resident told Arab News his car had been significantly damaged by the hailstorm.
“It would cost me around $178 (Rs50,000) to repair the windscreen, windows and side mirrors,” Ahmed Qureshi, a resident of the city’s Diplomatic Enclave, told Arab News. “My vehicle will also need to be repainted to fix the dents caused by the hailstorm.”
Several mechanic shops in Islamabad’s G-6 Markaz area were swamped with concerned citizens inquiring about the cost of new windshields.
Muhammad Ali, a mechanic, told Arab News three types of windshields were available for Toyota and Honda cars. These cost from $57-$135 (Rs16,000 to Rs38,000), adding that it takes about 20 minutes to install one.
“The windshield supplier isn’t answering his phone due to the overwhelming number of calls he has received,” he said.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thunderstorm in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and other parts of the parts of Punjab on Wednesday evening.
Iraq proposes sea link between Karachi and Basra to strengthen trade routes
- Iraqi Consul General Maher Mjhid Jejan visits Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s office to meet its leadership
- Jejan hoped Pakistani exporters, investors take advantage of Iraq’s opportunities, explore its market more actively, says KCCI
ISLAMABAD: Iraq’s Consul General Maher Mjhid Jejan has proposed a sea link between Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi and Basra in a bid to improve logistics and strengthen trade routes, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said on Wednesday.
Relations between Pakistan and Iraq have received a boost with a number of ministerial-level exchanges in recent years. The two countries have held discussions on enhancing defense and law enforcement cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism, counternarcotics and intelligence-sharing. Pakistan has attempted to strengthen trade, investment and cooperation in priority sectors with regional allies in recent months as it attempts to attract international investment to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Jejan visited the KCCI’s office on Wednesday during which he met the organization’s leadership. Talks between the two sides focused on strengthening business relations between and encouraging investment.
“He also proposed that a sea link between Basra and Karachi could play a key role in bringing the business communities of both countries closer together,” the KCCI said in a statement. “This connection could improve logistics and strengthen trade routes.”
Jejan said Iraq has introduced new investment laws designed to attract foreign investors, adding that these laws will be shared with the KCCI to help Pakistani businesses understand the opportunities available.
“He recognized the high quality of Pakistani products and expressed hope that Pakistani exporters and investors will explore the Iraqi market more actively,” the statement said.
The Iraqi consul general said his country is witnessing rapid development and offers immense potential for trade and investment. He encouraged Pakistani businessmen to visit Iraq and see first-hand the “peaceful and stable environment” in the country.
KCCI Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen told Jejan that Pakistan’s exports to Iraq stood at $54.29 million in FY24 while its imports from Iraq amounted to $145.46 million.
“He said that this trade volume is far below the actual potential and emphasized the need for both countries to simplify customs procedures, promote ease of doing business, and expand the range of tradable goods and services,” the KCCI said.
Arfeen said establishing an oil pipeline between Basra and Pakistan’s southwestern coastal city of Gwadar could create an important trade corridor for Iraq to access other Asian markets.
In a first, Kuwait extends oil credit facility to Pakistan for two years
- Move will help Pakistan manage energy imports, maintain foreign exchange reserves
- Pakistan petroleum minister vows to strengthen ties with Gulf states in trade and energy
ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has extended an oil credit facility to Pakistan for an additional two years, state-run media reported on Wednesday, with the development expected to help Islamabad manage its energy imports and maintain foreign exchange reserves.
The extension marks the first time that Kuwait has prolonged the credit facility for two years. The Gulf country typically grants Pakistan one-year extensions.
Expensive energy imports dominate Pakistan’s import bill. Suffering from a prolonged economic crisis for the past two years, Pakistan relies heavily on credit facilities and rollovers to maintain its foreign exchange reserve levels. In February this year, Saudi Arabia agreed to defer a $1.2 billion payment on Pakistan’s oil imports by one year.
“Kuwait has extended oil credit facility for Pakistan for another two years,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported following a meeting between Kuwait’s ambassador to Pakistan and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
It said Malik thanked Kuwait for the “special concession,” adding that the facility has been extended by Kuwait Petroleum to the Pakistan State Oil.
“On the occasion, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector,” the state media said.
The Kuwaiti ambassador commended Pakistan’s significant economic progress, particularly in stabilizing the economy and improving the investment climate, Radio Pakistan said. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s growth trajectory and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to deepening economic and energy partnerships between the two nations.
Malik stressed Pakistan’s dedication to fostering stronger ties with Gulf nations, particularly in energy and trade.
Like most Gulf nations, Islamabad has cordial relations with Kuwait, which hosts around 95,000 Pakistanis. It enjoys cooperation with Kuwait at the UN, the Orgainsation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multinational forums such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Pakistan army chief vows separatist militants will not succeed in disintegrating country
- General Syed Asim Munir says military will “beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon”
- Balochistan has suffered a rise in militant attacks recently, including a train hijacking in March
ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir recently vowed to defeat separatist militants in southwestern Pakistan for good, warning them that they would never succeed in their mission to gain independence for the country’s southwestern Balochistan province.
Balochistan has long grappled with a separatist insurgency led by groups like the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which was designated a terrorist organization by the United States in 2019. These groups frequently attack Pakistani law enforcers and Chinese interests in the southwestern province.
Separatist militants accuse Islamabad and Pakistan’s powerful military of exploiting Balochistan and denying its locals a share in its natural resources. The army and government vehemently reject these accusations and say they are undertaking various projects in the province for its development and progress.
Speaking at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention on Tuesday, Munir addressed the recent surge in militancy in Balochistan. He pointed out that India, with its 1.3-million-strong armed forces could not “intimidate or coerce” Pakistan hence it was not possible for a small group of militants to do the same.
“Balochistan is Pakistan’s destiny,” Munir said during a passionate speech. “You 1,500 people are saying that you will take it away? Even your next ten generations cannot take it.”
The army chief praised the Pakistani fathers and mothers who readily sacrifice their sons for the sake of the country, reiterating that “Pakistan will not fall” to loud cheers and applause from the audience.
He vowed that Pakistan’s military would overcome militants in the country “very soon.”
“God willing, you will see that we will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon,” he said.
His address comes amid a surge in attacks in Balochistan in recent months, the most prominent of which was the March train hijacking. Armed fighters of the separatist BLA stormed the Jaffar Express train in the mountainous Balochistan region last month, holding hundreds of passengers hostage.
The military launched a rescue operation in which 354 passengers were freed and 33 militants were killed. The army said that the hijacking killed 31 soldiers, staff and civilians.
Violence has persisted in the province since then, with three officials of the Balochistan Constabulary police force killed in an IED blast on Tuesday in its Mastung district.
