Balochistan Marks 78th Independence Day Amid Heightened Crackdown by Pakistani Forces

Quetta: Balochistan on Monday commemorated its 78th Independence Day, with pro-independence voices renewing calls for global recognition of the region’s sovereignty despite stringent restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities.

The day, rooted in the Baloch nationalist movement, recalls March 1947 when the princely state of Kalat briefly declared independence following the partition of British India. That autonomy was short-lived, as Pakistan annexed the territory in 1948—a move that has been contested ever since.

In the lead-up to this year’s anniversary, Pakistani forces enforced a 15-day Section 144 order across Balochistan, aimed at curbing public gatherings and rallies. Baloch rights organisations have condemned the measure, accusing Islamabad of attempting to suppress cultural identity and political dissent.

Prominent Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch denounced the military presence in the province as “illegal” and driven by “greed, repression, and a hunger to erase Baloch identity.” He also alleged Pakistan’s involvement in war crimes beyond Balochistan, citing Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Palestine.

Mir further accused Islamabad of breeding extremism, training militants, and sheltering war criminals—pointing to the case of Osama Bin Laden’s protection in Abbottabad. He criticised Pakistan’s nuclear posturing as a tool of global blackmail and slammed army chief Asim Munir for making “reckless” threats about military capabilities.

Recalling centuries of resistance, Mir said the Baloch people have defended their lands “from the Mongol invasions to British colonial rule,” with half a million martyrs dying in the pursuit of sovereignty. He described ongoing human rights abuses, including abductions, torture, executions, bombings of villages, looting of resources, and cultural suppression, as crimes against the principles of the United Nations.

On this symbolic day, Mir urged the international community to stand with the Baloch struggle for freedom and hold Pakistan accountable for its “occupation, war crimes, and sponsorship of terrorism.” He concluded with a call to “choose justice, choose peace, choose Balochistan.”