ntensified Independence Movement in Balochistan: Lawmaker Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman Warns of War-like Situation

ntensified Independence Movement in Balochistan: Lawmaker Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman Warns of War-like Situation

Islamabad, February 18 – Pakistani Member of Parliament Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has warned that several districts in Balochistan could declare independence. He made these remarks citing the 1971 India-Pakistan war and Bangladesh's liberation movement as examples.

Speaking in the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan, Fazl-ur-Rehman said, “Five to seven districts of Balochistan could announce independence. If these districts declare independence, the United Nations will recognize their independence, and Pakistan could fall.”

Fazl-ur-Rehman expressed concern that such a situation could arise due to the mindset of the Pakistani ruling authorities. He referred to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, suggesting that a similar situation could be repeated.

His remarks come amid ongoing violence in Balochistan. The Kurram region in Pakistan has recently seen armed clashes, resulting in nearly 150 deaths, creating a new crisis for the country.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by area, but only about 2% of the country's population resides there. The region has long been embroiled in a separatist movement, where ethnic Baloch nationalists seek control over the region's abundant natural resources.

Furthermore, the introduction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in 2015, particularly the development of the Gwadar port, has complicated the situation in the region. Local communities have complained that Balochistan's resources are being used for development projects in other regions of Pakistan, fueling their grievances.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched multiple attacks in August last year, resulting in over 70 fatalities, including 23 civilians.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government's actions against Baloch activists have led to increased cases of enforced disappearances and human rights violations, further fueling local resentment.