Quetta: The proscribed terrorist organization Balochistan Liberation Army’s (BLA) claim of “full control” over the Quetta–Taftan N-40 highway, along with threats targeting cargo trucks and commercial convoys linked to projects such as Saindak and Reko Diq, is being described by regional observers as part of a broader attempt to economically undermine ordinary Baloch citizens under the guise of rights-based rhetoric.
According to facts on the ground, claims of sustained or territorial control over this strategic and international highway are considered false and misleading propaganda. Security analysts note that such groups lack any capacity to hold ground and typically resort to hit-and-run attacks or temporary disruptions to create an illusion of presence. The highway remains a national asset under the sovereignty of Pakistan, with no space for any parallel control by non-state actors.
Defense and economic experts highlight that millions of livelihoods in Balochistan are directly tied to this route, including transporters, laborers, traders, and small businesses that depend on cross-provincial trade. The highway also supports local economic activity through roadside hotels, workshops, and fuel stations owned by residents. Any disruption, they note, severely impacts daily income and functioning of the local economy, effectively paralyzing livelihoods.
Analysts further argue that terrorist outfits are aware that improved connectivity through CPEC, trade routes, and mineral development would weaken their narrative of deprivation, which is why they attempt to disrupt infrastructure and target civilians associated with development sectors. They add that conflating such groups with ordinary Baloch citizens is misleading, as local communities remain the primary victims of violence and instability.
Pakistan’s security forces remain fully deployed to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement on the highway, while reaffirming that all attempts to challenge state authority will be countered. Officials reiterate that Balochistan’s resources belong first and foremost to its people, and any form of road terrorism or economic sabotage will be dealt with strictly under the law.
Read More: Quetta–Taftan Highway Secured as State Control Restored, BLA Threats Fail
