Balochistan: Gold, Silver Reserves Fuel Pakistan-China Interest Amidst Rebellion

• Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is rich in natural resources like gold, copper, natural gas, silver, and rare earth minerals, but locals claim no rights over them.
• The Baloch people allege their territory was merged with Pakistan deceptively to plunder its wealth, leading to an ongoing rebellion against the Pakistani government.
• Recent attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army resulted in 17 Pakistani security personnel killed, highlighting the intense conflict over the region's resources.
• China is heavily invested in Balochistan, building infrastructure like Gwadar port and operating mines, while the US is interested in rare earth minerals and preventing Chinese dominance.
• Despite immense wealth, Baloch locals face poverty and lack access to basic amenities like natural gas, fueling insurgent groups targeting Pakistani forces and Chinese projects.

Why It Matters: Balochistan's vast mineral wealth drives international interest and internal conflict, with locals fighting for control.