Balochistan, Oct 16 : Pro-independence Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri on Thursday reaffirmed the longstanding bond between the Baloch and Afghan nations, expressing unwavering support for Afghanistan in the wake of what he described as “Punjabi aggression” by Pakistan.
In a statement shared on X, Marri highlighted centuries of shared history, mutual respect, and cooperation between the two peoples. He recalled that the Baloch had stood alongside Afghans during their independence struggles against Persian occupation, and that this solidarity continued through various challenges in the region.
Marri strongly condemned what he termed an “unprovoked attack” on Kabul and the disputed Durand Line, the colonial era border drawn by the British. He said neither the Baloch nor the Afghans recognize this border, accusing Pakistan of using it to further its strategic interests.
He further alleged that Pakistan exploits the transit trade route passing through Balochistan to exert pressure on Afghanistan, emphasizing that an independent Balochistan would maintain fair trade relations and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than coercion.
“For centuries, the Baloch and Afghan nations have stood by each other, and that commitment remains unchanged. We stand by the Afghans against Punjabi aggression,” Marri stated.
The statement comes amid recent counterstrikes by the Afghan Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line. According to the Afghan Ministry of Defence, the retaliatory operation was conducted in response to repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty, including Pakistani airstrikes.
The ministry warned that Afghan forces remain ready to defend the nation’s borders and respond decisively to any further aggression from Pakistan.