Geneva, May 14, 2025
In a bold and historic development, Baloch leaders have officially declared the independence of the Republic of Balochistan from Pakistan. This declaration, made public during a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, has gone viral on social media and sparked widespread international debate. Within hours, the hashtag #RepublicOfBalochistan began trending across platforms like X , Facebook, and Instagram.
The announcement was led by Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, a prominent Baloch nationalist and resistance leader, along with representatives of several Baloch political and human rights organizations. During the live broadcast, they read a formal Declaration of Independence stating that the people of Balochistan are no longer under Pakistani control and are forming a sovereign and free nation named the Republic of Balochistan.
This announcement comes after decades of armed struggle, civil unrest, and human rights violations reported in the Baloch region. The Balochistan province is Pakistan’s largest in terms of land area but has long been its most impoverished and marginalized. Baloch activists have repeatedly accused the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies of oppression, forced disappearances, and exploitation of natural resources without benefiting the local population.
“This is a historic moment for our people. For more than 75 years, we have lived under occupation. Today, we reclaim our identity, our land, and our freedom,” said Dr. Allah Nazar during the announcement. He further appealed to the United Nations and the international community to recognize the newly declared Republic of Balochistan as a free and independent state.
The declaration outlined the right to self-determination as guaranteed under international law, particularly under the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Baloch leaders accused the Pakistani state of committing war crimes, economic exploitation, and genocide against the Baloch people.
Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, gold, copper, and oil. However, the region has seen very little development, and its people have often been left out of national economic plans. Baloch leaders argue that Pakistan has used the region’s wealth to benefit other provinces, especially Punjab, while keeping Balochistan underdeveloped.
In recent years, the rise of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects has added to the tensions. Many Baloch activists claim that local communities were displaced without consent for infrastructure projects like roads, ports, and pipelines. The port city of Gwadar, seen as a strategic hub by China and Pakistan, has been at the center of multiple protests by local fishermen, laborers, and Baloch political groups.
Reacting to the declaration, the Government of Pakistan strongly condemned the move, calling it illegal, anti-state, and a foreign-backed conspiracy. Pakistani security agencies have reportedly increased their presence in Balochistan, fearing possible mass protests and insurgency. Internet services in parts of Quetta, Turbat, and Gwadar were reportedly slowed down or blocked following the announcement.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the declaration “a baseless attempt to create division within the nation” and accused “external actors of fueling separatism and violence in Balochistan.” The statement did not name any specific country but hinted at the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies.
Meanwhile, the declaration has received mixed reactions from international observers. While no government has officially recognized the Republic of Balochistan yet, human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long supported the demand for justice in the region. Some US and EU lawmakers have previously raised concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of the Baloch population, and the recent declaration may intensify discussions in international forums.
Across South Asia, the news has caused political ripples. In India, several political voices expressed support for the Baloch cause. Social media in India exploded with hashtags like #FreeBalochistan, with some users demanding that the Indian government formally recognize the Republic of Balochistan. India has often raised the issue of human rights violations in Balochistan at the UN and has provided asylum to several Baloch activists over the years.
From Afghanistan, exiled Baloch communities expressed joy and solidarity, saying this was the beginning of a new chapter in South Asian geopolitics. In Iran, which also has a Baloch minority in its Sistan and Baluchestan province, the government is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
The social media reaction has been massive. Videos of the Geneva declaration have been shared millions of times. Hashtags like #RepublicOfBalochistan, #BalochFreedom, and #EndPakistaniOccupation trended globally. Diaspora communities in Europe, the US, and Canada organized candlelight marches and online rallies to celebrate the declaration.
Security experts believe this move could have serious implications for regional stability. Analysts fear increased conflict in the region, especially if Pakistani forces attempt a crackdown. The risk of clashes between the Baloch National Army (BNA) and Pakistan’s military could rise sharply, leading to more humanitarian crises.
This is not the first time Baloch leaders have attempted to declare independence. Earlier efforts were largely symbolic and lacked global attention. However, this time, the coordinated press conference in Geneva, the strategic use of social media, and the rising international interest in self-determination movements have made the situation more significant than before.
Legal experts are divided on the validity of the declaration. While self-determination is a recognized right, many argue that secession must meet specific international conditions, including prolonged oppression, lack of political representation, and systemic abuses—all of which the Baloch leaders claim are well-documented.
The United Nations has not yet responded to the declaration, but calls for intervention are increasing. Baloch activists want UN peacekeeping forces and human rights observers deployed in the region to prevent violence and allow a peaceful transition.
Meanwhile, the situation inside Balochistan remains tense. Videos from cities like Kech, Panjgur, and Khuzdar show local celebrations, with people waving the Baloch national flag. However, military patrols have increased, and reports of arrests and curfews are emerging from the ground.
As of now, no country has formally recognized the Republic of Balochistan. However, the pressure on Pakistan is likely to grow, especially if evidence of oppression and military crackdowns emerges in the coming days.
For the people of Balochistan, this declaration represents hope, courage, and the dream of a better future. For Pakistan, it poses a direct threat to national unity and territorial integrity. For the world, it presents another test of international law, human rights, and diplomatic ethics.
The coming days will be critical as nations, human rights groups, and global institutions decide whether to stay silent or act on what could become one of the most significant independence movements in South Asia.
