Militancy in Balochistan: A Formidable Challenge to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Abstract

The militancy in Balochistan is an ongoing ethno-nationalist conflict between Baloch militants and the government of Pakistan, spanning five waves of insurgencies since 1948. The escalation of militant attacks, coupled with internal and external support aimed at sabotaging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), raises serious security concerns for both China and Pakistan. This paper, viewed through the lens of constructivism, aims to provide insights into the Balochistan militancy, with a focus on the recent wave that has intensified due to the collaboration of militants sharing a common objective of halting the CPEC. The ethnic Baloch tribes constructing this narrative allege that the CPEC is a project aimed at colonizing the Baloch and further alienating them from their resources, benefiting the elite interests of the state. The paper will examine whether the narrative surrounding the CPEC has led to the rise in Baloch militancy, posing a significant challenge to Pakistan's progress under the CPEC. Specifically, it will explore whether the perceived colonization of Balochistan through the CPEC is contributing to the alienation of the Baloch people from their resources, ultimately hindering Pakistan's developmental objectives.