Baloch nationalist leaders have declared independence from Pakistan, citing decades of violence, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations in the region. Social media was flooded with images of Balochistan’s proposed national flag and maps of an independent Baloch state as ‘Republic of Balochistan’ trended widely across platforms. Prominent Baloch activist and writer Mir Yar Baloch said that people across Pakistan-occupied Balochistan have taken to the streets, voicing their demand for independence with mass protests and declaring that “Balochistan is not Pakistan”. In a social media post, Mr. Mir urged the international community and the United Nations to recognise the “Democratic Republic of Balochistan” as a sovereign state.
Akashvani Correspondent reports that the Baloch independence movement has deep historical roots, tracking back to 1947. When the princely state of Kalat briefly declared independence following the partition of British India. In 1948, it was forcibly annexed by Pakistan, a move that Baloch nationalists have never accepted. Activists, including Mir Yar Baloch, argue that the the region’s vast natural resources, particularly gas and minerals, have been exploited by Islamabad. Today, Balochistan remains Pakistan’s poorest and least developed province.
Demand for Independence Balochistan:
1. Historical Grievances
- Annexation of Kalat (1948): After British rule ended, the princely state of Kalat (now part of Balochistan) briefly declared independence in 1947. Pakistan annexed it in 1948. Which many Baloch nationalists consider an illegitimate act. This remains a central grievance.
2. Economic Marginalization
- Resources-rich but underdeveloped: Balochistan is rich in natural resources (gas, coal, copper, gold), but Baloch nationalists argue that:
- The local population doesn’t benefit.
- Revenues go to the central government or other provinces.
- Lack of infrastructure and services: Balochistan remains Pakistan’s most underdeveloped province in term of education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
3. Political Exclusion
- “The central government has often marginalized or repressed Baloch leaders and parties.”
- Military operations and crackdowns have reduced political space for moderate Baloch voices, pushing some towards militancy.
4. Military Suppression and Human Rights Violations
- “The military has launched operations in Balochistan several times (especially since 2005), often causing civilian casualties.”
- “Missing persons” crisis: Security forces have allegedly abducted or killed numerous activists, students, and intellectuals, fueling anger and radicalization
5. Ethnic and Cultural Identify
- The Baloch people have a distinct ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identify.
- “Many feel that Punjab and the Urdu-speaking elite are eroding their identity.”
Summary
A sense of injustice, neglect, and suppression drives the demand for independence by some Baloch groups. While not all Baloch people support secession, the actions of the Pakistani state-particularly the military- have deepened mistrust and fueled insurgency movements.
