The Pakistani authorities regard the Baloch insurgency as an effort to disrupt regional connectivity initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar Port. Islamabad emphasizes that CPEC, a pathway between Gwadar in Baluchistan and Kashgar in China, is transformational; it bridges gaps in Pakistan’s development and promotes prosperity. However, CPEC projects and Chinese nationals have been regularly targeted by terrorists in Baluchistan and other affiliated groups. Chinese analysts explain that Baloch terrorist (Fitna Al Hind or FAH) aim to disrupt China-Pakistan cooperation, particularly CPEC. According to DG ISPR, these attacks threaten Pakistan’s economic stability and challenge regional integration through CPEC as a game-changer.
Source: CPEC
Threats to CPEC and Gwadar Port
The Pakistani government considers CPEC and Gwadar Port valuable targets for terrorists. In recent years, ambushes of Chinese engineers and attacks on security forces guarding CPEC projects have occurred. Such incidents have been condemned as terrorism by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate in Karachi. After an attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers heading toward Gwadar, the Embassy demanded that Pakistan take action against the perpetrators and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, institutions, and projects. According to official reports, following the Gwadar ambush, Pakistani forces successfully neutralized one militant early on and carried out clearance operations.
Source: Tsinghua University Media
Pakistan’s Official Narrative: External Sabotage
Islamabad portrays the insurgency as a destabilization effort with foreign backing. In line with this sentiment, Pakistani authorities, military spokesmen, and the Baluchistan CM consistently claim that Baloch terrorists are supported by hostile external powers. Major General Babar Iftikhar specifically accused India of attempting to tarnish Pakistan’s international reputation by deploying terrorists to attack CPEC. This stance has been echoed by Baluchistan Governor and Mir Sarfraz Bugti, who condemned targeted killings as actions of hostile foreign powers, particularly India. Government spokesman Shahid Rind even went so far as to refer to the insurgents as Fitna-al-Hindustan, explicitly linking them to India-sponsored terror groups. Islamabad contends that the militants’ claims of fighting for Baloch rights are part of a larger scheme to divide Pakistan, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
Source: The Express Tribune
Counterterrorism Measures and Security Strategy
Pakistan has responded to the insurgency with intensive counterterrorism campaigns and increased security measures along the corridor. The military’s media wing regularly reports on operations that neutralize militants. For example, an intelligence-led operation in May 2025 in Baluchistan killed five terrorists affiliated with a banned organization; these militants had previously attacked civilian buses along the N-70 highway. The ISPR emphasized that security forces are committed to eradicating terrorism from the country. Additionally, Islamabad has undertaken policy initiatives, including the neighborhood watch strategy and a plan for CPEC projects, approved by a special cabinet committee in April 2025. This plan aims to improve security and surveillance at project sites, involve local communities in vigilance efforts, and develop SOPs and helplines for Chinese workers.
Source: The Express Tribune
At the provincial level, the government of Baluchistan pledged to ensure foolproof security for all CPEC projects and foreign nationals. The navy is also involved in securing the Gwadar Port, with the Naval Chief of Pakistan pledging to take all necessary steps to guarantee its safety and monitor the coast of the corridor to prevent smuggling or attacks.
China-Pakistan Security Cooperation
China has been actively supporting Pakistani activities in safeguarding the corridor. During the high‐level discussions on the visit of Pakistani Premier Li Qiang in 2024, both leaderships underlined a safe environment for Chinese investment. Pakistani officials reiterated their commitment to do whatever it takes to fight terror and protect Chinese citizens. Premier Li appreciated this commitment by Pakistan and indicated that Beijing firmly supports Pakistan in combating terrorism and is willing to help in capacity-building.
President Asif Ali Zardari has also guaranteed China that Islamabad will make every effort to guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan. The government has also implemented some joint security arrangements and consultations, such as a 2024 meeting between Pakistani and Chinese officials to review the SOPs security of Chinese enterprises. Through these, the counterterrorism alignment has become shared between the “all-weather” partners. Quick response by Pakistan to the Gwadar attack demonstrated the power of their defense and the fact that CPEC construction will not be halted, as one Chinese analyst said.
Source: MOFA
Alt Text: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, President Asif Ali Zardari pledged Pakistan’s full commitment to protect Chinese citizens and projects, while both countries strengthened security cooperation through joint measures and consultations.
Conclusion
To transform the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a robust engine of regional growth, Pakistan firmly maintains that the challenge of insurgency in Balochistan must be addressed. Senior military leadership assures that the corridor is well-protected and progressing steadily, thanks to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to security and regional stability. The state has made it clear that no external conspiracies will be allowed to derail this vital national project. Civilian governments emphasize that lasting peace and prosperity in Balochistan are essential for national cohesion and can be achieved through comprehensive development and inclusive governance. While Pakistan strongly supports dialogue and development as means to address genuine local concerns, it remains resolute that those resorting to violence and terrorism will face decisive action. The state’s strategy integrates firm security operations with targeted socio-economic uplift programs, aiming to eliminate the root causes of unrest and ensure long-term peace in the region.
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