Security of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Counterinsurgency in Balochistan

The book analyzes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its strategic and economic significance, particularly in the region of Balochistan. It examines the conflict ecosystem and security landscape, tracing the evolution of the Pakistani Army's counterinsurgency practices and the efficacy of the counterinsurgency strategy in Balochistan. The author argues that the approach has reduced violence and increased insurgent surrenders, but there is an urgent need to reduce tangible support to the insurgents and implement an effective strategy to sever the nexus between the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP) and the Baloch insurgent organizations.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) holds immense strategic and economic significance, particularly in the region of Balochistan. Given the historical backdrop of multiple insurgencies faced by the Pakistani Military in Balochistan, this book delves into the intricate conflict ecosystem and security landscape of the region, posing potential threats to the CPEC. The book is organized chronologically, tracing the evolution of the Pakistani Army's counterinsurgency practices inherited from the British Indian Army's culture of fighting small wars to the contemporary counterinsurgency adaptation in the "war on terror," and subsequently to the fifth round of the Balochistan insurgency.

The central focus of the analysis lies in the development of counterinsurgency theory and practice by the Pakistani Army. Through empirical investigation, the author seeks to assess the efficacy of the counterinsurgency (COIN) strategy in Balochistan. The author argues that the approach underwent a significant transformation after conceptualizing the doctrine, particularly from 2016 onwards. This shift included incorporating critical components such as political primacy, an affect-based, and focused use of force, "winning hearts and minds," and rules of engagement. The result was a reduction in violence and an increase in insurgent surrenders.

Concluding the book, the author emphasizes that the Pakistani Army has achieved significant control over the insurgency in Balochistan. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to reduce tangible support to the insurgents through porous borders and implement an effective strategy to sever the nexus between the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP) and the Baloch insurgent organizations, as well as the sectarian militant organizations in Balochistan province. This is crucial in ending the insurgency and ensuring security in the region.

In conclusion, this book provides valuable insights into the strategic and economic significance of the CPEC, particularly in the context of Balochistan. It sheds light on the complex conflict dynamics and security challenges faced by the region. By examining the evolution of the Pakistani Army's counterinsurgency practices and assessing the efficacy of the COIN strategy, the book offers valuable recommendations for addressing the insurgency and promoting stability in Balochistan.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032538396