ISLAMABAD: Balochistan has once again emerged at the centre of an intenseregional contest, where security, geopolitics, and competing strategicinterests intersect in ways that directly affect Pakistan’s internalstability. Recent international reporting has reignited debate over theprovince’s vulnerability to external manipulation, with allegations thatmilitant violence is being leveraged as part of a broader regionalremapping strategy. These claims, though contested, have elevatedBalochistan from a domestic security challenge to a focal point of regionalpower competition.
The strategic value of Balochistan lies in its geography, resource base,and proximity to key regional theatres, including Iran, Afghanistan, andthe Arabian Sea. Analysts note that its long coastline and access routesconnecting South Asia to the Middle East make it indispensable for tradeand energy corridors. This same geography, however, has also rendered itsusceptible to interference by hostile actors seeking leverage againstPakistan and its regional partnerships, particularly in the context ofshifting Middle Eastern and South Asian alignments.
Reports in international media, including the Times of Israel, have arguedthat Israel views regional instability as a means to counter adversarialinfluence in Iran and beyond. Within this framework, Pakistan is sometimesportrayed as an indirect pressure point due to its strategic depth andgrowing ties with China. Such narratives suggest that destabilisingperipheral regions could weaken broader regional blocs, though Islamabadhas repeatedly dismissed these assertions as speculative and lackingconclusive evidence.
Israeli author and historian Haim Bresheeth-Zabner has publicly claimedthat covert support for militant groups has been part of Israel’shistorical playbook in conflict zones such as Libya, Iraq, and Syria. Hisremarks, cited widely in regional media, argue that similar tactics are nowbeing discussed in relation to Iran and Pakistan. Pakistani securityofficials reference these statements to underscore their long-standingposition that militancy in Balochistan cannot be understood purely throughan internal political lens.
Former Quetta Corps Commander Lieutenant General (retd) Aamir Riaz has alsopointed towards what he described as external sponsorship behind theBalochistan Liberation Army. According to him, Pakistan must openlyacknowledge that terrorism in the province is not merely an expression oflocal grievances but part of a larger international contest. Suchstatements reflect a growing consensus within security circles that hybridwarfare tactics are increasingly being used against Pakistan.
Another dimension of concern is the reported provision of advancedcapabilities, including small drones, to militant groups. Internationalreporting has suggested that such technologies could be used to gatherintelligence or conduct low-cost attacks, complicating counterterrorismoperations. Pakistani authorities have not publicly confirmed these claims,but they acknowledge that the technological sophistication of militantattacks has increased, requiring corresponding upgrades in surveillance andborder management.
Afghanistan’s role has further complicated the security environment.Despite assurances by the Afghan Taliban that Afghan soil would not be usedagainst neighbouring states, multiple incidents suggest a failure to fullycontain militant movement. Cross-border infiltration has been reported notonly by Pakistan but also by Central Asian states, reinforcing theperception that Afghanistan has become a permissive environment fortransnational militant networks.
The Times of Central Asia has reported repeated attempts by Afghanmilitants to cross into Tajikistan, including deadly clashes along theborder. These incidents, occurring since late last year, indicate a broaderregional spillover of militancy. Security analysts argue that such patternslend weight to Pakistani concerns that militancy emanating from Afghanistanis no longer a bilateral issue but a regional security threat.
China’s interests add another critical layer to the unfolding situation.Chinese engineers and workers have been targeted in past attacks inPakistan, particularly in areas linked to major infrastructure projects.Pakistani officials argue that these attacks are designed to undermineChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiatives, thereby weakening China’sstrategic footprint in the region. From this perspective, militancy inBalochistan is seen as a tool to disrupt long-term regional connectivityplans.
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This convergence of interests has led analysts to argue that groups such asthe BLA are increasingly detached from any genuine rights-based discourse.Instead, they are portrayed as instruments within a broader internationalgame, where local grievances are exploited for strategic ends. Suchinterpretations challenge narratives that frame the conflict solely as aninternal political struggle, shifting attention toward external drivers ofinstability.
Pakistan’s response has focused on a combination of military operations,intelligence coordination, and diplomatic engagement. Officials stress thatwhile security measures are essential, addressing socio-economicdisparities remains equally critical to deny militant groups local support.Islamabad also continues to raise concerns at international forums, urginggreater scrutiny of cross-border militancy and external sponsorship.
Regional observers caution, however, that escalation risks remain high. Asgreat power competition intensifies across the Middle East and South Asia,peripheral regions like Balochistan are likely to experience increasedpressure. Without coordinated regional counterterrorism mechanisms andsustained economic development, such areas may continue to serve as arenasfor proxy competition.
Ultimately, the debate over a “great game” in Balochistan reflects deeperanxieties about Pakistan’s security environment. Whether or not everyallegation withstands rigorous verification, the convergence of militancy,geopolitics, and great power rivalry is undeniable. For Pakistan, thechallenge lies in safeguarding its territorial integrity while navigatingan increasingly complex regional order where local conflicts are rarelylocal alone.
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Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com
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