In a tragic incident on Friday in Mastung, a district within Balochistan province in southwest Pakistan, a strong bomb affixed to a motorcycle detonated near a police transport vehicle. This attack claimed the lives of seven individuals, including five children who were in close proximity to the explosion. According to local police chief Fateh Mohammad, a rickshaw carrying school children was passing by at the time, contributing to the high casualty count that included a police officer and a civilian bystander.

As of now, no group has openly taken responsibility for the bombing. However, it is expected that the blame will likely rest on separatist factions that have intensified their offensives against security personnel and civilians in recent months. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, along with Balochistan’s chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack and pledged their intent to escalate efforts against insurgents, aiming for their total eradication from the nation.

This incident is part of a broader history of unrest in Balochistan, where various separatist groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), engage in violent actions primarily targeting security forces. These groups are fighting for autonomy from the central government. The BLA has not only targeted military personnel but has also been responsible for attacks on foreigners. Recently, the group claimed responsibility for a bombing directed at Chinese nationals near an airport in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese workers and injuring eight others.

In Pakistan, a significant number of Chinese workers are involved in multiple development initiatives as part of China’s extensive Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to construct vital infrastructure projects across the country. In light of these ongoing threats, China has consistently urged Pakistan to enhance security measures for its citizens residing in the country.

During a seminar this week, China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, called upon Pakistani authorities to take decisive action against insurgents perpetrating “unacceptable” assaults on Chinese workers involved in projects tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This initiative encompasses a variety of developments, including roads, power plants, and agricultural projects. In response, the spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, expressed surprise at the ambassador’s comments. She highlighted that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who was also present at the seminar, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals, their projects, and institutions located in Pakistan. Baloch remarked that Jiang’s comments were confusing given the established positive diplomatic relations.