Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Baloch leader renews push for recognition of 'Republic of Balochistan'
Balochistan is a region that is part of a country called Pakistan.
Some people who live there want Balochistan to be its own separate country.
A leader named Mir Yar Baloch asked the whole world to recognize a 'Republic of Balochistan.'
His supporters celebrated August 11 as 'Balochistan Independence Day.'
Mr. Baloch says this date matters because Balochistan declared independence in 1947.
He wants the United Nations and other groups to support the idea.
He says that if Balochistan becomes independent, it will have its own money, passports and leaders.
The government of Pakistan says Balochistan belongs to Pakistan and will stay that way.
Mr. Baloch also said Pakistan stopped internet and phone services in some places, but we cannot be sure that is true.
These two sides see the situation very differently.
Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch renewed calls for international recognition of the 'Republic of Balochistan' in a message shared on X.
Supporters marked Tuesday, August 11, as 'Balochistan Independence Day.'
The statement urged the United Nations, ASEAN, the African Union, the OIC and European countries to stop referring to Balochistan as a Pakistani province and back recognition.
The movement says it has entered a new phase focused on diplomatic and political recognition, tracing its claim to August 11, 1947.
Pakistan maintains Balochistan is an integral part of the country and terms armed groups there security threats; separatists claimed services were suspended, without verification.
- Who
- Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch, speaking on behalf of the Baloch political leadership; Pakistani authorities hold the opposing position.
- What
- Renewed demand for international recognition of the 'Republic of Balochistan' as an independent country, with supporters marking 'Balochistan Independence Day.'
- When
- Tuesday, August 11, with the movement's claim tracing back to August 11, 1947.
- Where
- Balochistan, currently a province of Pakistan; the appeal was directed at the international community.
- Why
- The movement says it has entered a new phase focused on securing diplomatic and political recognition and no longer wants Balochistan referred to as a Pakistani province.
Baloch separatist movement
Government of Pakistan
Status of Balochistan
Baloch separatist movement
Balochistan is the 'Republic of Balochistan,' an independent country that should no longer be called, written or referred to as a province of Pakistan.
Government of Pakistan
Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan, and armed groups operating there are security threats.
Commemoration restrictions
Baloch separatist movement
The movement says Pakistani authorities suspended mobile and internet services in several parts of Balochistan to try to prevent the Independence Day commemorations.
Government of Pakistan
Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the service suspensions, and the claims could not be verified.
- Key figure
- Mir Yar Baloch, Baloch separatist leader
- Date of observance
- Tuesday, August 11 (Balochistan Independence Day)
- Historical claim
- Balochistan declared independence on August 11, 1947, before the Partition of British India
- Demand
- International recognition of the 'Republic of Balochistan' as an independent country
- Bodies urged to act
- United Nations, ASEAN, African Union, OIC, European countries
- Pakistan's position
- Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan; armed groups there are security threats
- Alleged restrictions
- Mobile and internet services suspended in parts of Balochistan (unverified)
- Platform
- Message shared on X