The increasing violence in Pakistan’s Balochistan has put the US-Pakistan Reco Dick Mining Project in jeopardy. According to media reports, its value is around $7.7 billion (₹64,000 crore). More than 500 fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked several areas of Balochistan on January 31, killing 58 people, raising questions over the security of the Reko Dik mining project. The attackers targeted banks, police stations, jails and government buildings. Arson was carried out at several places and main roads were blocked, affecting connectivity between Quetta and Karachi. Some attackers also carried out suicide blasts. Use of modern weapons, the attacks became more dangerous: According to reports, the attackers used modern weapons like automatic rifles and grenade launchers. Some of these weapons are said to be American weapons left in Afghanistan after 2021. Experts believe that an attack on such a large scale is not possible without local support, strong network and adequate weapons. Direct impact on Reco Dick project: The attacks had a direct impact on Reco Dick, the most important mining project of Balochistan. This area is known for its large reserves of gold and copper. Following the attacks, roads leading to the site remained closed for several days, hampering operations. This project is considered to be the center of economic partnership between America and Pakistan. Concerns about American investment and foreign companies: America has announced an investment of about 1.3 billion dollars in this project, while the total investment can reach 2 billion dollars. Canada’s Barrick Mining Company has slowed the pace of the project due to safety concerns and has said it will be delayed until 2027. According to experts, if the Reco Dick project is affected, the US-Pakistan partnership may suffer a major setback. BLA’s growing power and changes in tactics Over the years, BLA attacks have become more organized and technically sound. This organization is now targeting not only security forces but also civilians and foreign investments. In videos released on social media, BLA presents its attacks as a ‘fight for freedom’, which is gaining support from local youth. Roots of separatism and local discontent Separatism in Balochistan began after the formation of Pakistan in 1948. Local people allege that the natural resources of their area are taken advantage of by outside companies and the central government, while they do not get basic facilities like employment, education and health. Due to this dissatisfaction, a section of educated youth is also leaning towards extremism. Balochistan shares its border with Iran and Afghanistan. In such a situation, instability in these countries has a direct impact on this region. Pakistani officials fear that if the situation in the eastern part of Iran worsens, organizations like BLA may become stronger and cross-border attacks may increase. Presence of other terrorist organizations: Not only BLA, but also the regional network of Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and ISIS is becoming active in Balochistan. This has made the security challenges more complex. On one hand, the Pakistan government is trying to end extremism through military action, while on the other hand it is planning to bring the youth into the mainstream through employment and financial assistance. However, human rights organizations allege that due to the strictness of the government, many people are going missing, due to which resentment among the local people is increasing. —————- Also read this news… Pakistan’s missile attack on Afghanistan, 7 killed: 75 injured; Retaliatory attack after the death of 6 PAK soldiers: At least 7 people were killed in the attacks in Kunar province of eastern Afghanistan on Monday, while more than 75 people are said to be injured. The injured include university students, children and civilians. Read the full news…
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बलूचों के हमलों से US-Pak माइनिंग प्रोजेक्ट संकट में: कीमत ₹64000 करोड़; 4 महीने पहले 500 लड़ाकों ने 58 लोगों की हत्या की थी
