Pakistan has announced plans to strengthen security in Balochistan focusing on protecting its mineral rich regions and securing borders with Iran and Afghanistan. The provincial government said it will expand intelligence networks and raise a dedicated Frontier Corps unit for sensitive mining areas.
The decision follows a deadly wave of attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) last weekend which left 36 civilians and 22 security personnel dead. In response security forces launched large scale operations claiming to have killed 216 militants.
Shahid Rind aide to Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the entire security framework is being redesigned. He emphasized that safeguarding foreign investment is a top priority, particularly the Reko Diq copper gold project, one of Pakistan’s largest mining ventures.
Barrick the Canadian mining company holding a 50% stake in Reko Diq, announced it would review the project’s security development schedule, and budget in light of recent violence. The remaining stake is jointly owned by Pakistani state enterprises and the Balochistan government.
Despite security challenges, development linked to Reko Diq continues. Barrick plans to invest $150 million in Port Qasim’s Pakistan International Bulk Terminal to support exports once production begins in 2028.
The revived Reko Diq project is viewed as a potential economic game changer for Balochistan though persistent militant threats remain a concern for investors.
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