China Denounces Violence in Balochistan, Reaffirms Support for Pakistan

(MENAFN) China on Tuesday issued a strong denunciation of the recent wave of attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, reaffirming its firm stance against terrorism and its continued support for Islamabad’s security efforts, according to reports.

A spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry conveyed heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and expressed sympathy for the wounded and the families affected by the violence. Addressing reporters in Beijing, the spokesperson said, “China firmly opposes terrorism in all its forms and will, as always, resolutely support Pakistan in fighting terrorism, safeguarding social unity and stability, and protecting the safety of its people.”

Meanwhile, security forces in Balochistan pressed ahead with counterterrorism operations for a fifth consecutive day, targeting multiple areas of the province in the aftermath of coordinated assaults carried out over the weekend at a dozen separate locations.

Pakistani security officials said on Monday that since Friday, operations had resulted in the deaths of 177 militants across the province, as stated by reports.

Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, a group that has repeatedly targeted security personnel in the region. The assaults left dozens dead, including civilians and members of the security forces.

In response to the deteriorating situation, authorities maintained the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in the provincial capital, Quetta, as well as in several other districts.

The latest violence comes amid a broader rise in unrest nationwide. Pakistan experienced a sharp increase in militant activity in January, with combat-related fatalities climbing by 43% compared to the previous month. Reports indicate that 361 people were killed during that period, including militants, civilians, and security personnel, based on data compiled by a conflict monitoring organization.

Balochistan, a resource-rich region that serves as a critical corridor for the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has long been plagued by insurgency. Several Baloch separatist factions have waged an armed campaign there, framing their struggle as a fight for the so-called “liberation” of the province.

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