Is Balochistan Up for Grabs? Activist Urges Trump to Reconsider Pakistan's 'Misleading' Oil Reserve Claims

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Balochistan's resources are misrepresented by Pakistan.
- Mir Yar Baloch calls for international support for Baloch rights.
- Exploitation of these resources poses a global security risk.
- Balochistan's sovereignty is a matter of dignity and resilience.
- Military influence in resource management raises concerns.
Quetta, July 31 (NationPress) Following US President Donald Trump's announcement to assist Pakistan in developing its "massive oil reserves," prominent Baloch human rights advocate Mir Yar Baloch reached out to the American leader, asserting that the military authorities in Islamabad have significantly deceived the US government regarding the "true ownership and geography" of Pakistan's natural resources. He clarified that the oil reserves are located in Balochistan, not in Punjab.
This communication came after President Trump declared on his social media platform that an agreement had been finalized between the US and Pakistan to collaborate on oil reserves development in the South Asian nation.
Mir Yar Baloch stated that Trump's acknowledgment of the oil and mineral reserves in the area is "indeed accurate."
Nevertheless, the human rights advocate pointed out that the untapped resources of oil, natural gas, copper, lithium, uranium, and rare earth minerals are "not situated within the territories of Punjab, which constitutes actual Pakistan," but rightfully belong to the "Republic of Balochistan, a historically sovereign nation currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan."
Mir Yar Baloch emphasized that the assertion that these resources belong to Pakistan is not merely "false," but a "deliberate attempt to misappropriate Balochistan's wealth for political and financial gain."
He warned, "Allowing Pakistan's radicalized military and the rogue ISI, known for supporting Al-Qaeda and various proxy groups responsible for thousands of US soldiers' deaths in Afghanistan, to exploit Balochistan's trillion-dollar reserves of rare earth minerals would be a severe strategic error. Such access would significantly boost the ISI's operational and financial capabilities, allowing it to expand its global terror networks, recruit more militants, and potentially facilitate large-scale attacks reminiscent of 9/11."
Expressing his concerns, he stated that the profits from "Balochistan's stolen resources" would not benefit its inhabitants; instead, they would be funneled into bolstering "anti-India and anti-Israel jihadist proxies," further destabilizing South Asia and the broader international order.
Mir Yar Baloch underscored that preventing Pakistan's "exploitation" of Balochistan is not solely a matter of justice for the Baloch people; it is also a matter of global security.
"There is no doubt: Balochistan is not for sale. We will not allow Pakistan, China, or any other foreign power to exploit our land or its resources without the explicit consent of the Baloch people. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable, and our struggle for rightful ownership and independence continues with dignity and resilience," he asserted.
He urged the international community, including the United States, to support the rightful aspirations of the Baloch people for freedom and control over their homeland and natural resources.