The situation in Balochistan has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) intensifying its armed campaign against the Pakistani state and declaring independence. The BLA, an armed separatist group seeking independence for the Baloch people, has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks across the Balochistan province. These actions are part of what they call "Operation Herof 2.0," which involved coordinated operations targeting military posts and security infrastructure.
Balochistan's independence movement is rooted in historical grievances, citing forced annexation in 1948 and decades of exploitation and repression under Pakistani control. Baloch leaders, like Mir Yar Baloch, have voiced these concerns and called for international support, aligning themselves with India on regional issues. Mir Yar Baloch declared independence from Pakistan, stating that the Baloch people are "up on streets" and that "Balochistan Is Not Pakistan". He has urged the United Nations to recognize the "Democratic Republic of Balochistan" and requested India to allow the establishment of a Balochistan embassy in Delhi.
The BLA's recent activities include taking control of Mangochar city in the Kalat district. They claimed responsibility for 39 attacks across Balochistan, involving blocking highways, capturing police stations, and striking military convoys. In another instance, BLA fighters controlled a key highway at Ornach Cross in Khuzdar for over two hours, conducting vehicle checks and targeting vehicles allegedly transporting natural resources from the region. The BLA has also claimed responsibility for 71 coordinated attacks at over 51 locations in Balochistan, targeting Pakistani military and intelligence sites, local police stations, and mineral transport vehicles.
The BLA has directly appealed to India for diplomatic and material support. A BLA spokesperson stated that any talk of peace from Pakistan is a deception and assured India that the BLA is ready to attack from the western border if India decides to "eliminate the terrorist state of Pakistan". They emphasized that the BLA would become India's "practical and military arm" and are ready to surround Pakistan from both eastern and western fronts.
Pakistan has accused India of supporting the BLA and intervening in its domestic affairs. These accusations have further strained the already tense relations between the two countries, which have suspended trade, shut down a land border crossing, and closed off their airspace to one another. Pakistan connects the BLA and incidents such as the Jaffar Express attack to Indian backing.
The situation in Balochistan has led to widespread protests and organized shutdowns. Protests erupted in Quetta following police crackdowns against Baloch residents. Police actions against protesters have resulted in casualties and arrests, further fueling unrest. The Baloch diaspora has also organized protests in various European nations, condemning Pakistan's actions and calling for international intervention. Razzak Baloch, Secretary General of the Baloch American Congress, claims that Pakistan's control is limited to Quetta and has urged international support for the Baloch struggle, particularly from India and the United States. He warned that delays in support would strengthen the "barbaric army" and affect regional stability.
