The term “Republic of Balochistan” has surged across social media, prompting questions about whether Balochistan has truly separated from Pakistan. The trend took off after Baloch activist Mir Yar Baloch announced the region’s independence through a series of posts on platform X.

The declaration followed India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), adding to the already tense India-Pakistan relationship. Mir Yar Baloch, known for advocating Baloch rights, urged the Indian government to allow an official Baloch embassy in New Delhi and called on the United Nations to send peacekeeping forces.

Calls for support and funding

Mir Yar Baloch also claimed that Baloch fighters had attacked Pakistan’s gas fields in Dera Bugti and asked the international community to release funds for printing passports and currency. Social media platforms flooded with visuals of Balochistan’s flag and maps of an “independent” Baloch state, giving the impression of a new republic in the making.

He appealed for global recognition of what he termed the Democratic Republic of Balochistan, and expressed solidarity with India. Posts showed banners highlighting Baloch-India friendship and described Pakistan as a collapsing state allegedly supported by China.

No official confirmation yet

Despite the strong rhetoric and online visuals, no official and verifiable sources have confirmed the formation of the Republic of Balochistan. The declaration remains unrecognised internationally, with no formal response from global powers or multilateral organisations.