The neighboring country, Pakistan, is increasingly surrounded by troubles. Its friendship with China is sinking it, while hostility with India and Afghanistan is proving costly. Since the arrival of the Trump administration in the United States, the flow of favors from there to Pakistan has come to a halt. The internal situation in Pakistan is also no less dire. On one hand, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Sindh province are venting their anger against the Pakistani government, while the rebellious people of Balochistan have become a threat to the integrity of Pakistan itself. They demand full independence from Pakistan. As a result, there is continuous conflict between the Baloch Liberation Army and the Pakistani military. The situation escalated when, on March 11, 2025, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffer Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, which had around 440 passengers. The BLA stopped the train, held the passengers hostage, and attacked security forces, leading to the deaths of 21 passengers and 4 paramilitary soldiers. In response, the Pakistani army killed 33 terrorists and rescued the remaining passengers.
Following this incident, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for national unity and stressed the need for strict action against terrorism. He convened a National Security Committee meeting, attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir and other senior officials. During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need for a strategic political resolve and better governance to combat terrorism. Additionally, the Pakistani army blamed India for this attack, although they did not present any solid evidence in support of their claim. India rejected these accusations.
After the train hijacking, Baloch insurgents launched another major attack on a Pakistani military convoy in the Noshki area of Balochistan, resulting in several casualties. This event highlights the increasing activities of the Baloch insurgents, who are demanding more autonomy and control over resources in Balochistan.
In light of these events, Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasized the need for Pakistan to become a strict state and take decisive action against terrorism. He also stressed the necessity of better governance and political resolve to effectively combat terrorism. On March 18, 2025, in a statement, General Munir reiterated the need to transform Pakistan into a tough state and stated that the fight against terrorism is a struggle for the country’s existence. He made this comment during a high-level meeting of the National Security Parliamentary Committee, convened after the Baloch terrorists hijacked a passenger train, resulting in the deaths of 25 passengers.
Munir said that the fight against terrorism is “a battle for the existence of our country and future generations.” He called for better governance and urged the country to become a “tough state,” asking, “How long will we continue to sacrifice countless lives in the style of a soft state?” He further emphasized that for sustainable development, all elements of national power must work in harmony.
Regarding the geographical and political landscape of Balochistan, it is Pakistan’s largest province, which has long been a serious security challenge for the country. The separatist movements, demand for control over natural resources, and allegations of human rights violations have posed a threat to Pakistan’s stability. After the formation of Pakistan as a country for Muslims separated from India in 1947, the Kalat state in Balochistan refused to merge with Pakistan. However, in 1948, the Pakistani army took control of the region, leading to growing resentment among Baloch nationalists. Since then, there have been several uprisings in Balochistan, including those in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and the 2000s.
In recent years, the activities of Baloch separatist groups have significantly increased. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of attacks carried out by these groups quadrupled to 171. These attacks have resulted in nearly 590 deaths, including Pakistani military personnel.
It is noteworthy that Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including gas, gold, and copper. However, local residents allege that the benefits of these resources are not extended to them, but rather to other provinces of Pakistan. This economic dissatisfaction fuels separatist sentiments.
Balochistan has also been a victim of the Pakistani military’s brutality. Forced disappearances of Baloch activists and civil society members are common in Balochistan. According to the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), more than 7,000 people have gone missing from Balochistan. Although government figures are lower, this issue creates deep resentment among local residents.
Despite strong opposition from the local population, projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other foreign investments continue in Balochistan, which separatist groups view as exploitation of their resources, and they target these projects. In August 2024, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a deadly attack that killed over 50 people. In February 2025, a major conflict in the Kalat district resulted in the deaths of 18 Pakistani paramilitary forces and 23 insurgents, i.e., members of the BLA.
The ongoing conflict in Balochistan is posing a threat to Pakistan on multiple fronts. Constant attacks are putting pressure on Pakistan’s security forces and jeopardizing the country’s internal stability. Attacks on important projects like CPEC undermine the confidence of foreign investors, affecting economic development. Meanwhile, allegations of human rights violations tarnish Pakistan’s international image, affecting diplomatic relations.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Looking at the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a major issue is the Durand Line dispute. The Durand Line, drawn by British rule in 1893, was never recognized by Afghanistan. This border dispute has been a historical source of tension between the two countries. On the other hand, Pakistan alleges that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan soil, conducting terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan has demanded that the Afghan Taliban take action against TTP, but the Taliban has rejected this request. Recently, clashes occurred between Pakistani and Afghan security forces at the Torkham border post, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. This conflict arose over the construction of a new checkpoint, further escalating the tension. In December 2024, Pakistan carried out airstrikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, killing several civilians. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense condemned these airstrikes, calling them a violation of international principles.
Pakistan Trapped in China’s Grip
China has ensnared Pakistan by giving it loans, with Pakistan’s largest loan being from China, amounting to approximately $28.6 billion, which constitutes 22% of its total debt. According to the World Bank, Pakistan’s total debt stands at around $130 billion. The situation in Pakistan is dire. Even basic necessities like wheat, rice, vegetables, and milk have become out of reach for the common people. Unemployment is at its peak. Due to its fragile financial situation, Pakistan has repeatedly sought emergency funds from the IMF. However, for China, Pakistan is a key hub for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This nearly 3,000-kilometer-long corridor connects China’s western provinces to Pakistan’s Gwadar port. In other words, China is gradually establishing its dominance over Pakistan by extending loans.
