Balochistan: Pakistan's Resource-Rich Region Plagued by Insurgency and External Interests

• Balochistan, larger than Rajasthan, is Pakistan's largest province, rich in gold, copper, natural gas, coal, and marble, yet its people remain impoverished.
• The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and other insurgent groups like BLF, BRA, and BNA are actively fighting for independence, targeting Pakistani forces and Chinese projects.
• Recent attacks by BLA killed 17 Pakistani personnel, highlighting the intense conflict in the region.
• China's interest lies in Gwadar Port and mineral extraction, while the US seeks to prevent Chinese monopoly over rare earth elements.
• The conflict originated from Balochistan's forced accession to Pakistan in 1948, leading to a long-standing struggle for resource control and self-determination.

Why It Matters: Balochistan's vast resources fuel a complex conflict involving local insurgents, Pakistan, China, and the US.