Baloch Activist Calls for Peaceful Exit of Pakistani Forces Ahead of August 11 Independence Day
iamge via ianslive.in
iamge via ianslive.in Quetta, Aug 2 (TheTrendingPeople.com):
As Balochistan gears up to mark August 11 as its National Day of Independence, prominent Baloch human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch has issued a bold statement, urging Pakistan to peacefully withdraw its forces from the region and allow the Baloch people to celebrate their historical day free from fear and repression.
Despite the imposition of Section 144 by Pakistani authorities to prevent public gatherings, residents across Balochistan are actively preparing for the independence day celebrations, defying what activists describe as an “illegal and coercive clampdown by an occupying force.”
"Balochistan Not Bound by Occupier's Laws," Says Mir Yar Baloch
In a strong post on X (formerly Twitter), Mir Yar Baloch highlighted the “profound significance” of August 11 in the history of Balochistan, referring to it as the day when Balochistan gained its sovereignty in 1947, prior to its controversial annexation by Pakistan in 1948.
He wrote,
“In an attempt to suppress these celebrations, the occupying Pakistani forces have imposed Section 144 for fifteen days, aiming to intimidate and silence millions of Baloch citizens. This unlawful notification is trashed by the Baloch people.”
Mir further asserted that Balochistan is neither legally nor morally bound to obey directives issued by “an occupying force”, calling the Pakistani military presence in the region illegal and repressive.
Call for Peaceful Exit Before “History Repeats Itself”
In his address to the people of Balochistan and the global community, Mir reiterated a diplomatic solution is still possible if Pakistan chooses dialogue over aggression.
“We once again extend an opportunity for Pakistan to withdraw its forces peacefully from Baloch soil,” he declared.
However, he warned that continued state-sponsored terrorism, coercion, and military occupation would only escalate tensions and compel the Baloch nation to exercise its right to expel over 400,000 Pakistani troops currently stationed in the province.
He added that any Pakistani military personnel involved in war crimes against Baloch civilians would be prosecuted under Baloch national law and in accordance with international justice norms.
In a direct historical comparison, he reminded Islamabad of its 1971 defeat in Bangladesh, saying,
“This is Pakistan's chance to avoid global embarrassment and the fate it suffered during its disgraceful surrender in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The path to peace remains open. Pakistan must choose it before history repeats itself.”
Balochistan: A Region Under Fire
Balochistan has been the epicentre of a prolonged freedom movement, where activists, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens have raised repeated alarms over state repression and human rights violations.
According to reports from human rights organisations, the region continues to witness:
- Violent military raids on civilian homes
- Unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances
- The infamous "kill and dump" policy
- Detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance
- Fabricated police cases against activists and students
Despite the crackdown, the spirit of resistance remains high among the Baloch people, particularly around August 11, which they view not as a symbolic gesture but as a day of rightful self-assertion.
The Road Ahead
Observers say that the defiance shown by the people of Balochistan this year reflects a growing resolve for independence. With tensions rising and Islamabad doubling down on security restrictions, the situation in Balochistan may reach a critical juncture in the days leading up to August 11.
Mir Yar Baloch's strong words serve both as a warning and an invitation—to end the conflict peacefully and recognize the Baloch people’s right to self-determination.