Baloch Leader Calls for Global Recognition of Balochistan’s Independence, Accuses Pakistan of Atrocities
Mir Yar Baloch calls on the UN and international organisations to address alleged repression, detentions and communication restrictions in the region.
QUETTA, Aug 11: Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has urged the international community to recognise what he described as Balochistan’s independence, while accusing Pakistan of widespread repression and human rights violations in the region.
In a post on X marking Balochistan’s Independence Day, Mir Yar Baloch said the people of the region were seeking formal recognition of their claimed independence through legal, political, diplomatic and moral channels.
He appealed to the United Nations, ASEAN, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and European countries to speak out over the situation in Balochistan.
According to his post, millions of Baloch people observe August 11 as Independence Day. He said the movement had moved beyond commemorating the occasion and was now seeking international acknowledgement of Balochistan’s political status.
Mir Yar Baloch alleged that more than 50,000 Baloch people were being held in Pakistani detention and torture facilities and claimed that their alleged suffering and sacrifices had been overlooked by the international community.
He further alleged that mobile and internet services had been suspended in several parts of Balochistan to restrict public gatherings and celebrations. He claimed that security measures had also been intensified around military cantonments and police stations in Kalat, Quetta, Khuzdar and other areas.
The Baloch leader also alleged that Pakistani aircraft, drones and helicopters were conducting surveillance operations across the region. Despite the restrictions, he claimed that people had continued to observe the occasion in different parts of Balochistan.
Highlighting the region’s natural resources, Mir Yar Baloch said their effective utilisation could help Balochistan achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute to international initiatives in areas such as healthcare, education and humanitarian assistance.
He also made claims regarding the organisation and preparedness of a proposed Balochistan army, asserting that the so-called “Republic of Balochistan” had prepared a force of 500,000 personnel.
The allegations come against the backdrop of longstanding tensions in Balochistan. Rights organisations have raised concerns over enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions and killings in the region.
Pakistani authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations that state security forces are responsible for such abuses and maintain that security operations are aimed at addressing militancy and threats to public safety.
The latest remarks are likely to add to the continuing international debate over Balochistan, where political demands, security concerns and allegations of human rights violations have remained contentious issues.
