Attacks on mining operations on the rise in Pakistan: report
Rising violence around resource projects threatens Pakistan’s push to draw foreign capital into its mineral sector.
In Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan province, 38 attacks on mining operations were recorded between January and September 2026, bringing the total in the past three years to over 130, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) report. This surge in attacks threatens Pakistan's efforts to attract international investment and develop its mineral sector, as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.
Balochistan is a hotspot of conflict between separatists and the government, with extraction activities often seen as exploitative. The attacks on transportation disrupt operations and create instability, making it difficult for companies to conduct their work safely. Some 90% of separatist attacks on mineral projects occur on roads, with gunmen targeting vehicles to disable them or set them on fire.
ACLED data suggests the attacks aim to disrupt operations rather than harm workers or civilians, with most attacks involving property destruction. Despite security forces deploying to Balochistan, ACLED argues that security measures alone are unlikely to resolve the conflict, which is rooted in political disputes over resources, autonomy, and economic benefits.
Continued attacks could draw more international attention to the separatist insurgency and potentially lead to a stronger state crackdown.
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