In a dramatic turn of events, Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has declared Balochistan independent from Pakistan, announcing the formation of the Republic of Balochistan. This bold declaration comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan and signals a major escalation in the decades-long Baloch independence movement.
The announcement follows an earlier statement by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which had recently proclaimed Balochistan's independence. Now, Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent writer and senior leader of the BLA, has formally reiterated this declaration and made a strong appeal to the international community.
"We are not Pakistani citizens; we are Balochistanis. The world must stop referring to Baloch citizens as Pakistanis," Mir Yar Baloch said in a public statement. He further urged countries around the world, including India, to recognize Balochistan as an independent nation and to support their movement diplomatically and politically.