Why Is Balochistan Defying Pakistan's 'Unlawful Directives' and Preparing for Independence Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Balochistan is preparing for Independence Day on August 11.
- Restrictions imposed by Pakistani forces are being defied.
- Human rights advocates are calling for peaceful resolutions.
- Legal actions may be taken against military personnel involved in war crimes.
- The Baloch people assert their right to celebrate independence.
Quetta, Aug 2 (NationPress) Prominent Baloch human rights advocate Mir Yar Baloch stated on Saturday that Balochistan is "vigorously and passionately" gearing up to observe its National Day of Independence on August 11, notwithstanding the restrictions enforced by the "occupying" forces of Pakistan.
Highlighting the significant importance of August 11 for the people of Balochistan, he shared on X, "To stifle these celebrations, the occupying Pakistani forces have imposed Section 144 for a duration of fifteen days, attempting to intimidate and silence millions of Baloch citizens through coercive and illegal notifications, which the Baloch people dismiss as irrelevant."
Mir emphasized that globally, every nation has the sovereign right to commemorate its independence, asserting that Balochistan is "neither legally nor morally obligated" to heed any "unlawful directives from an occupying force that seeks to deny them this fundamental right."
On behalf of the Baloch population, the human rights activist reiterated an invitation for Pakistan to peacefully withdraw its forces from Baloch territory.
Stressing the Baloch community's preference for a diplomatic and peaceful resolution, he remarked that "if Pakistan continues its strategy of state-sponsored terrorism, coercion, and military occupation, the Baloch nation will assert its legitimate right to expel the 400,000 occupying troops stationed illegally in Balochistan."
Mir declared that any Pakistani military personnel found guilty of war crimes in Balochistan will be "held accountable under Baloch national law" according to international justice standards.
He noted that this is Pakistan's opportunity to "evade global humiliation" and avert a situation reminiscent of its "disgraceful surrender" during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
"The route to peace remains open; Pakistan must take it before history repeats itself," the human rights activist stated.
The people of Balochistan are currently striving for their independence from Pakistan.
Numerous human rights organizations in Balochistan have repeatedly underscored the repression faced at the hands of Pakistani forces in the region, which includes violent raids on the residences of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, a 'kill and dump' agenda, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.