Pakistan continues to face significant challenges from the Balochistan Nationalist Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in Balochistan as security concerns mount ahead of potential minerals agreements with the United States and the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project 2.0. The Pakistan army has struggled to suppress these armed groups, prompting authorities to appoint Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman to lead new shadow operations. Rehman is tasked with supporting the Islamic State Khorasan Province, managing arms supplies, and overseeing the formation of death squads in the region.
International rights groups have repeatedly accused the Pakistan army of severe human rights abuses against the Baloch people, citing allegations of genocide, torture, forced disappearances, and rape. These reports have raised concerns among international partners, as both the United States and China seek stability before deepening economic cooperation. Intelligence sources indicate that Rehman, a tribal leader with long-standing ties to Pakistani intelligence, is recruiting fighters from groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The current plan involves expanding shadow warfare operations, targeting armed groups and civilians in Balochistan, while attempting to conceal direct state involvement.
International rights groups have repeatedly accused the Pakistan army of severe human rights abuses against the Baloch people, citing allegations of genocide, torture, forced disappearances, and rape. These reports have raised concerns among international partners, as both the United States and China seek stability before deepening economic cooperation. Intelligence sources indicate that Rehman, a tribal leader with long-standing ties to Pakistani intelligence, is recruiting fighters from groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The current plan involves expanding shadow warfare operations, targeting armed groups and civilians in Balochistan, while attempting to conceal direct state involvement.
