The self declared Republic of Balochistan has strongly condemned what it describes as a systematic campaign to undermine the economic foundations of Baloch communities across Balochistan, alleging that Pakistan’s military is targeting not only the region’s natural resources but also the livelihoods that sustain its civilian population.
According to the statement, the alleged campaign comes amid growing opposition to the exploitation of Balochistan’s mineral and natural resources. It claims that grazing lands have been burned, livestock targeted by drones and military helicopters, and agricultural activity severely damaged in several parts of the region.
The statement further alleges that orchards producing apples, pomegranates, dates, almonds, peaches and apricots have been destroyed by bulldozers in areas including Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Surab, Manchhar, Wadh, Panjgur and Turbat. It argues that the destruction of agricultural land, orchards, livestock and grazing areas, if carried out to weaken civilian communities economically, amounts to collective punishment and economic warfare.
Prominent Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch said:
“In the current circumstances in Balochistan, the Baloch nation considers the terrorist actions of Pakistan’s military to be an openly declared economic war by Punjab and Islamabad against the sixty million Baloch people.”
The statement warns that the alleged destruction extends far beyond individual livelihoods, threatening food security, employment, local markets and the economic self-sufficiency of entire communities. It maintains that continued attacks on agriculture, livestock and other economic resources will have long-term consequences for Balochistan’s civilian population.
The Balochistan called for the withdrawal of Pakistani military forces from the region and alleged that their continued presence poses a serious threat to civilian lives, property, businesses and economic survival.
It also urged the international community, human rights organisations and relevant international institutions to conduct independent investigations into reported damage to agricultural land, orchards, grazing areas and livestock, and to strengthen protections for the economic and human rights of civilians in Balochistan.
The statement concludes that the destruction of civilian economic resources cannot be treated merely as a security matter, arguing that accountability and independent investigation are necessary to establish the facts and protect affected communities.
