A statement circulating widely on social media has claimed that Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan, asserting the creation of a sovereign state under the name "Republic of Balochistan."
The document, whose authenticity could not be independently verified by CNN-News18, alleges that the province in southwestern Pakistan has proclaimed independence and now “exercises control" over 85% of its territory.
According to the viral statement, the self-declared Republic of Balochistan has introduced a national flag, a national anthem, a new currency and its own administrative structure.
“Balochistan has declared its independence, adopted its national anthem, “Ma Chukain Balochani," introduced its national flag, established its own currency the “Balochi Falus" and now exercises control over 85% of the territory of Balochistan," the letter claimed.
The document further asserts that the new administration has assumed control over the region's natural resources, including mineral reserves, gas fields and coal mines.
“These developments make Balochistan deserving of international recognition. We now control the republic’s gold and copper mines, more than 150 active gas fields, and over 1,200 operational coal mines across the Republic of Balochistan," the statement further read.
The letter also alleges that members of Pakistan's security forces have resigned from their posts and joined the Baloch side.
“Today, we are administering the State of Balochistan through our own security and defense forces. We may not possess fighter jets, attack helicopters, tanks, missiles, or heavy artillery, but we control our land. A force of 500,000 personnel comprising the Balochistan military, navy, air force, and civil administration stands ready to overthrow the occupying forces of Pakistan end of 2026," the letter mentioned.
The self-proclaimed Republic of Balochistan additionally claims that residents have rejected Pakistan's presence in the region and says a growing number of Baloch and Pashtuns have left the Pakistan Army, police, Frontier Corps and Levies to support its cause.
It also appealed to the international community to treat Balochistan as a neighbouring country and pledged that its territory, airspace and coastline would not be used by Pakistan's military, navy or air force to destabilise the region.
The statement urged governments worldwide to formally recognise Balochistan's independence, contending that such recognition would strengthen regional stability and bring an end to what it described as decades of Pakistan's hostility, nuclear blackmail and extremism.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch said civilians across the region were increasingly joining the resistance against the Pakistan Army and demanding its withdrawal.
“The situation in the Republic of Balochistan is gradually falling under the control of Balochistan. The Pakistan army is losing ground and is now merely relying on its air forces. The people of the republic of Balochistan are resisting everywhere. Before it was armed Balochistan people now the civillian population is also coming to resist and asking Pakistan Army to vacate Balochistan soon," the Baloch leader stated.
Balochistan has for years remained a flashpoint of unrest, with repeated demonstrations directed against the Pakistani government. Protesters have frequently raised slogans targeting Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Should the reported declaration of independence be verified, it could add to the mounting challenges confronting Islamabad.
Pakistan's authorities have not yet issued any official response to the claims.
