Amid mounting pressure from Chinese President Xi Jinping to ensure the safety of Beijing's interests and repeated calls from China for enhanced security measures, Pakistan on Tuesday announced a "comprehensive military operation" against separatist groups in Balochistan. The province has seen a surge in deadly attacks, particularly targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the operation during a high-level meeting of political and military leaders, according to statements from his office. While specifics of the operation, including whether it will involve ground troops, airstrikes, or international cooperation, remain undisclosed, reports suggest it will focus on dismantling groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The timeline for the operation’s commencement also remains unclear.

The BLA, the largest separatist group in Balochistan, has long accused the Pakistani government of exploiting the region’s abundant gas and mineral resources while neglecting its residents. On November 9, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at Quetta's train station, which killed 26 people, including soldiers, police personnel, and civilians.

In October, another suicide attack near Karachi's airport targeted Chinese nationals, killing two and injuring ten. The incident exacerbated tensions between Islamabad and Beijing, with China expressing dissatisfaction over the security provided to its citizens. Thousands of Chinese nationals work in Pakistan, many on projects under the $62-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a critical component of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The ongoing violence has reportedly subjected Xi to domestic criticism, particularly from Chinese workers in Pakistan, who are increasingly concerned about their safety. This has led to China's reluctance to invest in new CPEC projects, further straining relations with Pakistan. During Prime Minister Sharif's visit to Beijing in June, Xi urged Pakistan to "create a safe, stable, and predictable business environment" to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.

Pakistan’s "Operation Azm-i-Istehkam," part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy approved in June, reflects the urgency of addressing these security issues. While the campaign was initially met with hesitation due to concerns over its financial and humanitarian impact, Tuesday's decision underscores Islamabad's renewed commitment to neutralising threats to foreign investments, particularly those tied to China.

China has also announced plans for joint counterterrorism exercises in Pakistan, though it remains unclear whether Beijing will directly collaborate in the new military offensive. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing "is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation" with Pakistan for mutual benefit.

This military operation coincides with Iran's campaigns against separatist fighters in its Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan. The region's unrest has broader implications for stability, given Balochistan's strategic location and resource wealth.

Separatist violence in Balochistan has frequently targeted foreign-funded energy projects, accusing external entities of exploiting local resources without benefiting residents. The outcome of Pakistan's latest military initiative will be pivotal in restoring China's confidence in Islamabad's ability to protect foreign investments and personnel, thereby safeguarding the future of the CPEC.

As Pakistan embarks on this offensive, its success will not only influence internal stability but also shape its critical international partnerships.