Terrorist attacks in Balochistan delay operation of Chinese-backed airport – Pakistan

Due to the recent unrest in Balochistan, the start of operations at the Chinese-aided airport has been stalled due to security concerns.

It should be noted that on August 26, the terrorist organization of Balochistan had martyred 41 people including many security personnel while carrying out operations in different areas in a single day. 10 Police and Levies personnel were martyred in Qalat. An exchange of fire between the terrorists and the forces took place on the national highway at Mehlbi. In Musa Khel, armed men shot 23 people from their vehicles.

According to a report by the Business Recorder, multiple sources confirmed that the launch of operations at the ready-made airport in Balochistan has been stalled due to security concerns following militant attacks last week.

Under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, construction of the deep-water port of Gwadar in Pakistan, near a new airport, is underway, a $200 million project. It is a joint project of Pakistan, Oman and China which is nearing completion.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), it will handle domestic and international flights, and will be one of the largest airports in the country.

The initial plan was for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to inaugurate the airport on August 14 with Chinese officials, but it was canceled after protests by Baloch rights groups, officials said.

Two CAA officials and two other officials of the Balochistan government told Reuters that the start of flights would be delayed as authorities were reviewing security in the region.

A senior provincial government official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said China already had concerns about the security situation and the recent attacks would certainly cause further delays.

When asked about the delay and security concerns, China’s Foreign Ministry said that China is ready to work closely with the Pakistani side to continue the good work in related security work and ensure the safe and smooth progress of the construction of the corridor. Progress can be ensured.