Balochistan today observed its 78th Independence Day, continuing an annual tradition that defies what Baloch human rights groups call Pakistan’s illegal occupation of the region. The Baloch struggle for independence has significant historical origins, starting in 1947 when the princely state of Kalat made a short-lived declaration of independence following the partition of British India.

 

 

However, in 1948, Pakistan forcibly annexed the region, a move that has continually been opposed by Baloch nationalists. Leading Baloch human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch has accused the Pakistani army of being stationed in Balochistan, during the celebrations without any legal mandate, driven not by law or justice but by greed, repression, and the hunger to erase Baloch identity.

 

 

Terming Pakistan as the global godfather of terrorism, Mir alleged that it is breeding extremists, training militants, harbouring war criminals, while using the nuclear threat as blackmail against the world. Meanwhile, in an attempt to suppress the Independence Day celebrations, the Pakistani forces have imposed Section 144 for fifteen days in Balochistan, which is rejected by the 60 million Baloch population.