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Pakistan's Instability Grows Amid West Asia Conflict, Domestic Unrest

Pakistan faces mounting instability fueled by the West Asia conflict and internal unrest, particularly in Shia-majority Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan. China has warned that this turmoil could jeopardize its critical China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investments. The country's military is caught between supporting Western allies and managing retaliatory threats from Iran, which backs groups like the Taliban. Concurrent counterinsurgency operations strain relations with China, which seeks regional stability for its projects.

Key Points: Pakistan Instability: West Asia Conflict & Domestic Pressures

  • Clashes in PoGB after Khamenei killing
  • CPEC vulnerable to unrest
  • Security arrests risk sectarian divide
  • Military's dual role strains China ties
  • Iran's support for Taliban raises security concerns
2 min read

Pakistan facing rising instability amid West Asia conflict and domestic unrest: Report

Report details Pakistan's rising instability from West Asia conflict, domestic unrest, and strategic pressures on Iran border, impacting CPEC.

"Pakistan's military plays a central role in regional strategy, providing intelligence and logistical support to Arab and Western partners. - Asian Lite report"

London, March 22

Pakistan is facing growing instability amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, domestic unrest, and strategic pressures, with its stance along Iran's eastern frontier and its alliance with Saudi Arabia and the US placing additional pressure on Islamabad, according to a report.

Recent events in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB), which has a Shia majority, demonstrate the tensions. On March 1, clashes erupted between security personnel and protesters loyal to Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's killing. As per reports, two soldiers were killed as protesters also attacked military positions and government buildings were set on fire, according to a report in UK-based Asian Lite.

China has said that unrest in PoGB could impact its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Karakoram Highway, which is crucial for the CPEC, has already faced disruptions due to natural hazards and political unrest, showcasing the vulnerability of Pakistan's northern areas amid regional tensions.

Reportedly, security personnel have arrested several people with suspected links to Iran-backed groups, as part of efforts to stop further unrest. According to critics, these actions risk intensifying the grievances of people in Pakistan and increasing sectarian divides.

"Pakistan's military plays a central role in regional strategy, providing intelligence and logistical support to Arab and Western partners. Media narratives within the country have emphasised loyalty to allies like Saudi Arabia, while portraying Iran as an antagonist in regional disputes," the Asian Lite report said.

According to analysts, Pakistan's dependence on the Gulf, energy imports through ports like Yanbu and military funding shape its position in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Meanwhile, Iran continues to carry out missile and drone attacks on nations in West Asia, with a smaller number of operations targeting Israel.

"Tehran's support for groups such as the Taliban has raised further security concerns in Pakistan, potentially exposing the country to retaliatory actions along its western borders. Compounding Pakistan's challenges, the army is concurrently engaged in counterinsurgency operations against Baloch separatists and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan militants, while continuing airstrikes in Afghanistan to pre-empt cross-border threats. These operations, however, have strained relations with China, which seeks stability to protect its multi-billion-dollar investments in the region," the report said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The report highlights how Pakistan's foreign policy is dictated by its military and Gulf money. They try to play all sides - US, Saudi, China - but it's backfiring. The common citizen suffers the most from these geopolitical games. The focus should be on internal development, not external adventurism.
R
Rohit P
China must be really worried about its CPEC investments. Billions of dollars at risk because of Pakistan's inability to control its own territory. This is a stark reminder that long-term infrastructure projects need political stability, which seems to be in short supply there. 🤔
S
Sarah B
While the situation is complex, I hope the media coverage remains balanced. It's easy to paint entire nations with a broad brush. The people in Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan are caught in the middle of forces beyond their control. Their voices and grievances need to be heard.
V
Vikram M
The so-called "strategic depth" policy has come home to roost. Supporting groups like the Taliban for leverage in Afghanistan has created a monster they can't control. Now with Iran in the mix, the western border is a tinderbox. A classic case of foreign policy blowback.
K
Karthik V
From an Indian security perspective, this instability on our western border is a serious concern. Any spillover of sectarian or militant violence affects regional security. However, we must also be careful not to gloat. A stable, peaceful neighborhood is in everyone's interest. Jai Hind.

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