Pakistani authorities face dilemma over Balochistan

Significance

Local groups such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which initiated the demonstrations, accuse the Pakistani state of widespread human rights abuses in the province and argue that large infrastructure projects there -- including Chinese-backed schemes -- are exploitative. Although the BYC champions peaceful protest, several ethnic Baloch organisations are engaged in an armed struggle with the state.

Impacts

• The Balochistan unrest will compound Pakistan’s other security crises.
• Beijing will demand that Islamabad do more to protect Chinese interests in Pakistan.
• Attracting Chinese investment will probably get harder.