On 2 September, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) released a video for their attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The attack took place on the Karachi-Quetta highway near Gajjar Nadi Bridge on Monday evening.
The BLF said in a statement that the attack was carried out by its Sarmachars, and that the vehicle carrying the Chinese engineers was specifically targeted. The statement also said that the attack was in retaliation for China’s exploitation of Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The BLF has long been fighting for the independence of Balochistan, which has been illegally occupied by Pakistan.
The attack comes at a time when China is increasing its investment in Balochistan. China is building a number of infrastructure projects in the region, including a railway line and a port. BLF is opposed to any form of Chinese investment in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The group has also targeted Chinese workers in the past.
On 3 Sept, in a video message, Basheer Zaib Baloch, the leader of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), addressed the international community and particularly China. He began by stating that the Baloch people are a nation with a long history and historical significance. He also stated the fact that the Baloch have always been an independent and sovereign nation, and that Pakistan has illegally occupied Balochistan.
Balochistan is a resource-rich province, and the Pakistan Army has been exploiting these resources for its own benefit. In the video message, Baloch said that Pakistan has illegally occupied Balochistan and is exploiting the province’s resources, including its sea, Saindak, Gwadar, and Rackdong projects. Pakistan is selling off the Baloch resources to international powers, particularly China.
He called on the international community to stop doing business with Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan until the Pakistan Army withdraws from the province. He also said that the international community should establish relations with the Baloch people directly, rather than through the failed state. Baloch also highlighted that the Baloch individuals used as representatives of Baloch people are in fact the paid agents of the Pakistan Army.
The video message by Basheer Zaib Baloch is a strong statement of the Baloch people’s desire for independence from Pakistan. It is also a warning to the international community that the Baloch people will not tolerate the exploitation of their resources by Pakistan or any other country.
Both independent forces have unequivocally stated that foreign nations, including international investors, engaging in investments in Balochistan must acknowledge the region’s sovereignty. All actions should align with the Baloch national will as per international treaties that guarantee equality and respect for Baloch national interests.
The Pakistan Army has committed numerous atrocities, including daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian quasi state of Pakistan, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.