-Pratyusha Mukherjee
Baloch political activist Mir Yar Baloch has announced plans for what he describes as a nationwide civil disobedience movement against Pakistan, while urging the international community to support the Baloch cause and recognize what he refers to as the “Republic of Balochistan.” The remarks were made in a public message posted on social media on May 29.
According to Mir Yar Baloch, the proposed campaign aims to mobilize people across through non-cooperation measures. These include calls to withhold tax payments to Pakistani authorities and reduce reliance on Pakistani goods, institutions, and state structures. He also advocated for stronger economic engagement with countries and international partners that, in his view, support the principle of self-determination.
In his statement, Mir Yar Baloch reiterated his position that Balochistan is entitled to sovereignty and self-governance. He said the planned movement is intended to challenge what he characterized as the political and economic exploitation of the region’s natural resources and population.
The activist also called on international organizations and governments to give greater attention to developments in Balochistan. He alleged that Pakistan’s military and security policies have contributed to instability and repression in the region. Pakistani authorities have consistently rejected such allegations in international forums and maintain that security operations are aimed at preserving stability and combating militancy.
Mir Yar Baloch compared the proposed campaign to historical civil resistance movements, including the Indian independence movement led by . He cited non-cooperation, economic boycotts, and peaceful resistance as examples of methods that have influenced political change in different parts of the world.
At the same time, he argued that peaceful civil disobedience may not always be sufficient in situations where communities believe they face prolonged political and security challenges. He stated that people have the right to protect their identity, resources, and interests through political, diplomatic, and civil means.
The statement also referenced several historical figures associated with independence and liberation movements, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, George Washington, Nelson Mandela, Simón Bolívar, and Ho Chi Minh. According to Mir Yar Baloch, these figures demonstrate how movements advocating self-determination have emerged under different political circumstances across the world.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has long been affected by political tensions, separatist movements, and security challenges. While Baloch nationalist groups have periodically called for independence or greater autonomy, the Government of Pakistan maintains that Balochistan is an integral part of the country and has consistently rejected separatist claims.
The issue continues to attract regional and international attention due to the province’s strategic location and significant natural resource reserves.As of publication, there has been no official response from the Government of Pakistan regarding Mir Yar Baloch’s latest call for a civil disobedience movement.
Link to Mir Yar Baloch’s original X handle: https://x.com/i/status/2060424230823731632
Editor’s Note: The views expressed by Mir Yar Baloch as a representative of Balochistan. His own statements have been reported here as statements made by a political activist. BOOT BROADCAST has not independently verified the claims contained in the statement.
The Balochistan issue dates back to the end of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. Many Baloch nationalists contend that the former princely state of Kalat was incorporated into Pakistan in 1948 against the wishes of much of the Baloch leadership. Since then, the region has witnessed recurring insurgencies and political movements seeking greater autonomy or independence. Pakistan maintains that Balochistan is an integral part of the country and has strengthened security measures in the province. The dispute remains a longstanding and complex political issue in South Asia.
