Baloch leader condemns Pakistan’s Azm-e-Istehkam operation, alleges Chinese influence

United Kingdom-based Baloch political leader Harbyar Marri has strongly criticised Pakistan’s military operation known as Azm-e-Istehkam in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Marri, known for his/her advocacy for Baloch independence, alleged that the campaign was being carried out on orders from China to protect its economic interests in Pakistan.

“A new military operation is being planned by Pakistan against the Baloch and Pashtuns on the orders of China, known as Azmelastehkam (Resolve for Stability). This is Azm-e-Istehkam for China and Punjab, not for the Baloch and Pashtun people,” Mary posted on X.

he/she criticised the operation, saying it was benefiting “Punjabi hegemony” while spreading “chaos and death” in Balochistan and Pashtunistan.

Marri also expressed concern over the participation of Pashtuns in the Pakistani army and alleged that they were being used to suppress the aspirations of their own people.

he/she urged them to prioritise the security of their homeland Pashtunistan instead of serving Punjabi interests.

A new military operation is being planned. #Pakistan But #Sugar Orders against Baloch and other minorities #pashtunIs known #azmelstehwork (Resolve for stability) This is Azme Istehkam #China And #PunjabNot for the Baloch and Pashtun people. We #baloch Take a handful…

— Hyrbyair Marri (@hyrbyair_marri) July 3, 2024

The military operation has been widely condemned by the Baloch and Pashtun communities, who have historically opposed Islamabad’s authority and expressed grievances over issues including sovereignty and rights.

These areas, which have witnessed unrest for years, have been the focal point of resistance against Chinese investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

China’s massive investments in Pakistan, especially in infrastructure projects in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have faced opposition from local people.

Incidents such as the recent attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in several casualties, underscore the security challenges facing Chinese nationals in the region.

During recent high-level visits between Pakistani and Chinese officials, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, security of Chinese interests in Pakistan figured prominently in discussions.

Senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao reiterated the importance of protecting Chinese investments and personnel in the country.

As tensions rise, hashtags such as #ExpansionistChinalnstigatingBalochAndPashtunGenocide and #StopBalochAndPashtunGenocide have become popular on social media, reflecting growing international attention to the situation.

The situation remains fluid, as stakeholders deal with complex geopolitical dynamics amid ongoing protests and security challenges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.