Balochistan Independence Declared, Baloch Leader Seeks India’s Support
| 2025-05-15
Balochistan Flag
Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch declares independence from Pakistan, citing decades of human rights abuses, and appeals for support from India and the global community.
Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has declared independence from Pakistan and called on India and the international community to recognise a sovereign Balochistan, citing decades of violence, enforced disappearances, and systemic oppression.
In a series of posts on social media platform X on 14 May 2025, the exiled Baloch representative announced what he described as a “national verdict” by the people of Pakistan-administered Balochistan, claiming that they no longer recognise Pakistani sovereignty over the region.
“The world can no longer remain a silent spectator,” Mir Yar Baloch said, urging support for a newly declared independent Balochistan. He described the move as a response to prolonged conflict, including air strikes on civilians, extrajudicial killings, and other alleged human rights abuses. These allegations have been echoed by various human rights organisations over the years, though the Pakistani government has denied systemic wrongdoing.
Appeal to India and Global Community
Mir Yar Baloch made a direct appeal to Indian citizens, media professionals, and intellectuals, asking them not to refer to Baloch people as "Pakistan’s own."
“We are not Pakistani, we are Balochistani,” he wrote, drawing a distinction between ethnic Balochs and Pakistan’s dominant Punjabi population, whom he accused of not experiencing the same level of state repression. “Pakistan’s own people are the Punjabis who never faced air bombings, enforced disappearances or genocide.”
The leader also expressed strong support for India's stance on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), stating that Balochistan fully backs New Delhi’s call for Islamabad to vacate the disputed region. He warned that continued Pakistani military presence in PoJK could result in further conflict.
“If Pakistan fails to listen, it may face another humiliation like the surrender of 93,000 soldiers in Dhaka in 1971,” he said, referencing the Indo-Pakistani war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Plans for a Transitional Government
According to Mir Yar Baloch, preparations are underway to form a transitional government for the Republic of Balochistan. He said the new administration would include women’s representation and outlined plans for a formal state ceremony, including a national parade and invitations to friendly foreign governments.
He further revealed that the newly proposed state has already established symbols of sovereignty, such as a national flag, parliament, anthem, and emblem. The capital would remain Quetta, the largest city in the region.
In a symbolic gesture of goodwill towards India, the Baloch leader announced a visa-on-arrival policy for Indian citizens.
Human Rights Concerns and Regional Instability
The declaration of independence follows a new report by Baloch human rights group PAANK, which alleged that seven Baloch civilians were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces between 25 April and 12 May. The group has accused Islamabad of continuing to use disappearances as a method of political repression.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populous province, has long been the scene of a low-intensity insurgency. Baloch separatist groups have accused the federal government of exploiting the region’s resources while neglecting its development. Pakistani authorities have blamed foreign-backed militants for inciting unrest.
In recent years, human rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised alarm over reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and curbs on free expression in Balochistan. Journalistic access to the region remains severely restricted.
Strategic Implications and China’s Role
Balochistan holds significant geopolitical importance due to its location and resources. The province is home to Gwadar Port, a key node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
With China investing heavily in infrastructure and security in the region, Mir Yar Baloch’s declaration may place Beijing in a diplomatic dilemma. Analysts suggest that China’s response could hinge on whether it views Balochistan’s declaration as a legitimate movement or a destabilising force threatening its investments.
“China’s position will be crucial,” said one regional observer. “If Beijing feels its assets are safe, it may adopt a pragmatic stance. If not, it will likely side with Islamabad.”
India Yet to Respond
The Indian government has not issued an official response to Mir Yar Baloch’s declaration or his request for formal recognition and support. While Indian officials have previously raised concerns about rights violations in Balochistan, New Delhi has stopped short of endorsing the independence movement.
Some commentators argue that India’s policy will need to strike a delicate balance between regional security interests, its position on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the broader implications of supporting separatist movements.
Until an official position is articulated, Mir Yar Baloch’s appeal remains a bold but uncertain step in a long-standing struggle for self-determination in one of South Asia’s most troubled regions.
Context: The Balochistan Conflict
Balochistan was a princely state during British colonial rule and briefly declared independence in 1947 before being incorporated into Pakistan. Since then, multiple insurgencies have erupted over demands for autonomy, resource control, and, more recently, independence.
The region’s strategic importance has grown in recent decades, particularly due to its proximity to Iran and Afghanistan, as well as the construction of the CPEC.
Despite decades of conflict, international engagement with the Baloch cause has been limited. Critics say global powers have prioritised strategic and economic partnerships with Pakistan over addressing the root causes of the unrest.
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