Prominent Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch, representing the self-declared “Republic of Balochistan,” has called on governments and international organisations to recognise Balochistan as an independent state, saying the separatist movement has entered a new phase focused on securing international recognition.
In a statement marking August 11 as Balochistan’s Independence Day, Mir Yar Baloch urged the international community to stop describing Balochistan as a province of Pakistan and instead treat it as an independent country.
“The struggle has now moved beyond the declaration of independence into the stage of global recognition,” the statement said.
The statement claimed that Balochistan had declared independence on August 11,1947, following the end of British rule in the subcontinent. The historical and legal status of that declaration is disputed, and Pakistan considers Balochistan one of its provinces.
Mir Yar Baloch said the proposed Republic of Balochistan would assume responsibility for foreign policy, defence, economic affairs and diplomacy. He said preparations were under way for the eventual introduction of Balochistan passports, a currency, trade and media institutions and diplomatic missions.
He also called for greater unity among Baloch political groups, saying efforts were continuing to bring the leadership together.
The statement accused Pakistani authorities of widespread abuses in Balochistan and alleged that thousands of Baloch remained in detention. It also accused Pakistani security forces of imposing communications restrictions and increasing security measures around military and police installations in several areas.
Mir Yar Baloch further claimed that despite security restrictions, people across parts of Balochistan had marked the anniversary with independence celebrations. He said photographs, videos and other reports would be released as internet and mobile services were restored.
Mir Yar Baloch also added that “to prevent the celebrations of Balochistan’s independence, Pakistan’s occupying foreign army has shut down mobile and internet services. And in Balochistan, Kalat, Quetta, Khuzdar and some other areas, it has dug large trenches around military cantonments and police stations; this is clear proof of the fear and failure of Pakistan’s army. In all areas of Balochistan, Pakistan’s air force is still patrolling, drones are flying in the sky, and helicopters are conducting surveillance. But even under the shadow of cannons and guns, the people of Balochistan have celebrated independence in their respective areas and broken all of Pakistan’s obstacles. Due to the internet shutdown, pictures, videos and reports are taking time to arrive, but very soon we will unveil Pakistan’s terrorism and failure to the entire world.”
The statement also sought international attention for Balochistan’s economic potential, claiming the region possesses vast deposits of rare-earth minerals and energy resources. It said the proposed republic aims to attract foreign investment and could invest as much as $2 trillion in trade, technology, defence, security and infrastructure.
They estimated the value of Balochistan’s mineral and energy resources at around $50 trillion.
Mir Yar Baloch described the proposed state as democratic and secular and said it would seek cooperation with foreign governments on infrastructure, technology, defence, climate change, health and education.
He called on the United Nations, ASEAN, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and European governments to examine what he described as the unresolved question of Balochistan.
The statement also praised international journalists, researchers, academics, lawyers, students, civil society organisations and others whom it said had helped bring the Baloch cause to global attention.
Balochistan, a resource-rich region in southwestern Pakistan, has for decades faced an insurgency involving several Baloch separatist groups. Pakistan rejects separatist demands and has maintained that the province is an integral part of the country.
Meanwhile, Mir Yar Baloch tweeted: “Balochistan fully supports India’s decision to ask Pakistan to vacate PoK”.
The leadership has also called on the United Nations to recognise Balochistan as an independent country and provide financial assistance, as part of its broader appeal for international political and diplomatic support.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by Baloch leaders to internationalise their demand for an independent Balochistan and seek greater global attention to the region’s political status.
(Inputs from Mir Yar Baloch’s X)
