Pakistan seeks ADB support for railway upgrade linking Reko Diq to Karachi amid Chinese funding setbacks
Military operation in Mach, Bolan enters fourth day, disrupting local life
The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship
Quetta: BLA claims responsibility for attack on police that killed 4, injured 18
In a deadly incident that occurred on Monday, at least four people, including two police officers, were killed and 18 others were left injured in an explosion in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. The
Rampant street crimes leave residents of Khuzdar in fear and helplessness
The city of Khuzdar has become a hub of criminal activities, with reports indicating that street criminals, snatchers, and thieves are rampant in the area. The situation has left the residents of Khuzdar living in
Balochistan: two men killed in firing incidents
At least two persons were reportedly killed in two separate firing incidents in Balochistan on Friday. According to reports, unidentified armed men entered a house in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan and shot
Resident of Kech district disappears in Karachi raid
A man from Kech district, Balochistan, has reportedly disappeared in Karachi after Pakistani forces allegedly detained him and his two sons during a raid on their house in Goth Mallir. According to sources, the man’s
Balochistan’s captivating images; A lifeline for ailing photographer
For 14 years, Kamanchar Baloch has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Balochistan’s culture, stunning landscapes, and the plight of its impoverished residents. Born in Tehsil Mand, Balochistan, on November 25, 1998, Kamanchar has
BSO-Azad concludes 23rd Council Session; Drapshan Baloch elected chairman
The Baloch Students Organization Azad (BSO-Azad) released the highlights of the 23rd Central Council Session. BSO-Azad announced in the media that it wrapped up its 23rd Central Council session, a three-day event held in memory
Quetta: Security forces bring 3 dead bodies to a hospital
Pakistani forces reportedly shifted three dead bodies to a hospital in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces shifted the dead bodies of three men to the civil hospital Quetta — where
Enforced disappearances continue; Another goes ‘missing’ in Panjgur
Another Baloch man went missing from the Panjgur district of Balochistan on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces have allegedly disappeared a man after his arrest from the Parom area of the district. The detainee
Graphic Novel on a Baloch warrior launched on Amazon
A graphic novel titled “Hammal Jehand: The Sword of Baloch,” illustrating the life of the historic Baloch figure Hammal Jeeyand, or Jehand has been published as an ebook on Amazon. Authored by Nabeel Ahmed Baloch,
The War Is Not Over – Nadir Baloch
Author: Nadir Baloch The history is full of blood shades in the fight between the darkness and the light, Evil and the Good, Right and the wrong, oppressed and the oppressors. In the light of
Imran Khan: Ex-PM arrested outside court in Pakistan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested outside the High Court in the capital Islamabad. Mr Khan was appearing in court on charges of corruption, which he says are politically motivated. Footage showed
Court grants bail to Mahal Baloch
The bail of Mahal Baloch, a Baloch woman who was forcibly disappeared from her home in Quetta on the night of February 17 and was later arrested by CDT, was approved by the court. On
Pakistan faces challenges securing IMF loan program and avoiding default
On Thursday, IMF officials stated at a press conference that Pakistan would need to secure additional external funds to complete the ninth review of its loan program. However, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claims that
Federal Cabinet approved the deployment of army in Balochistan
According to the sources, the Balochistan government had recommended the deployment of the army, the approval to deploy the army in Balochistan has been given through the circulation summary. In view of the recent law
US Congress members write to Blinken about Pakistan’s crisis
The letter calls for pressure to ensure respect for democratic values and human rights in Pakistan. 60 members of the US Congress wrote a letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the dire
Hindu Girl Abducted at Gunpoint in Pithoro, Umarkot Sindh; Forced Marriage Feared
In a distressing incident, a Hindu girl named Hasena Oad has been abducted by Shokat Shar and four other individuals at gunpoint in Pithoro, Umarkot, Sindh. The girl’s father has filed a complaint at the
Baloch Students Council Condemns Attack on Baloch Students at Punjab University Lahore
The Baloch students council peshawar strongly condemns the brutal attack on Baloch students at Punjab University Lahore. Baloch students have been facing a critical situation for decades. Such violence against Baloch students is an old
Brave Baloch warrior, Shari Baloch is laid to rest
Mortal remains of Shari Baloch, who targeted Chinese teachers in an attack on the main gate of Karachi University on April 26 last year, were handed over to her family yesterday. Shari Baloch’s funeral prayer
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to finance upgrades to Pakistan’s aging railway system after delays in Chinese funding, raising concerns over the future of a significant mining project, according to Reuters. The $2 billion plan aims to upgrade a 500-km section of the Karachi–Rohri railway line, which was initially part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan. However, negotiations with China over funding for this and other projects within the broader $60 billion program have faced prolonged setbacks over the past decade.
Sources close to the matter revealed that the ADB is now in advanced discussions to lead a consortium that will finance the railway upgrade. The consortium will likely include an international contractor selected through a competitive bidding process. An official announcement regarding this development is anticipated later in the month. The move reflects an urgent need to address the deteriorating infrastructure, especially as the railway line is critical for transporting copper ore from the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan.
The Reko Diq mine, developed by Canada’s Barrick Gold, is one of the world’s largest untapped copper deposits, with production expected to begin in 2028. The project is projected to generate approximately $70 billion in free cash flow over its lifespan. Earlier this week, the ADB also announced a $410 million financing package specifically for Reko Diq, with the organization’s president scheduled to visit Islamabad next week. The combined support underscores the importance of both the mine and the railway line for Pakistan’s economic future.
China’s involvement in Pakistan’s infrastructure development began in 2015, with investments in power plants, roads, and port facilities under the CPEC initiative. However, progress has significantly slowed in recent years due to mounting Pakistani debt, delays in loan disbursements, and security challenges in Balochistan, where Chinese projects and personnel have increasingly become targets of violence. These issues have complicated China’s long-term plans for the region and raised questions about the sustainability of ongoing investments.
Baloch armed groups, including the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), have long opposed foreign investment in their region, viewing it as exploitation of local resources. In recent statements, these groups have warned that no foreign power will be allowed to profit from Baloch resources in collaboration with Pakistan. They have also threatened to target companies or investors working with the Pakistani government, indicating ongoing resistance to foreign-led infrastructure projects and resource extraction in the area.
