In a dramatic and bold move, Balochistan leader has addressed to Trump for being misled by the Pakistani military leadership, especially ‘General Asim Munir’, amidst growing US-Pakistan ties in terms of trade and developing energy infrastructure. On this note, Balochistan has yet again, asserted its independence, sovereignty and strategic autonomy away from Pakistan.
Donald Trump in his latest post had announced that Pakistan and United States will work together on developing the ‘massive oil reserves’ of Pakistan and both the countries are in the process of choosing the oil company to forge a lasting energy partnership. Reacting to this post, Baloch leader claimed that Trump administration is being misled by Pakistan military leadership and their diplomatic channels regarding the ‘true geography and ownership’ of the critical resources.
“These untapped reserves of oil, natural gas, copper, lithium, uranium and other rare earth metals are not located in the territories of Punjab, which is actual Pakistan. They belong to the Republic of Balochistan, a historically sovereign nation, currently under the illegal occupation of Pakistan”, wrote Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch on the X platform addressing Trump’s post.
Oil Profits Goes to Funding Terror Networks
Baloch leader claims that Balochistan’s rich resources and wealth will be misappropriated and misused to fulfill the political and financial gains, illicit motives of the Pakistani leadership. He Says that the ‘radicalized military and rogue ISI’ will use the profit from oil reserves to fund Al-Qaeda and other terror networks who were actually responsible for the death of thousands of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Thus, Baloch leader warns Trump that it would be a grave strategic mistake to invest in the oil reserves of Balochistan by joining hands with Pakistan. “Such access would enhance the operational and financial capabilities of ISI and helps them to expand global terror network, recruit more militants and has potential to plan & execute large scale attacks such as 9/11”, writes the Baloch leader.
The stern warning to Trump from the Baloch leader mirrors growing domestic political disorientation and regional disintegration in Pakistan. While on the other hand the military leadership of Pakistan, seeks to grab global attention with its altered narratives, despite curbing the domestic voices of the nation who are reeling under economic and social problems. Will bilateral deals and profits gained fuel the growth of masses and solve economic crisis in Pakistan, beyond terror networks and terror infrastructures is still a question and the statement from the Balochs reinforces this fact.
Oil Profits will Propel Anti-India Elements
Further, the Baloch leader writes that profits from the stolen reserves of Balochistan will be used to fund anti-India elements and jihadists’ proxies which in turn lead to destabilising South Asia and the world order at large. Thus, preventing Pakistan from exploiting the Baloch resources is not just crucial for the security of the Baloch people but also for the sake of global security.
These statements from Balochistan gives a strategic leverage for India as well in its counter-terrorism efforts and in exposing the misdeeds of Pakistan in India’s backyard, especially in a phase where US President Donald Trump is inclining towards Pakistan to foresee energy deals and other prospects, which the President has highest aspirations for!
Strong Message of Baloch Sovereignty
The Baloch leader also asserts his unequivocal voice for the purpose of Balochistan’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy. He reiterates that no foreign power will be allowed to operate on the Baloch land that will harm the province’s interests and well-being. He says, “Balochistan is not for sale. We will not permit 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”. In his post, the Baloch leader also appealed to the international community including the United States, to support the legitimate aspirations of the Baloch people for freedom and control over their natural wealth.
The message from Balochistan to Trump reflects the state of domestic politics and economy in Pakistan and also exposes the double standards exhibited by the Pakistan leaders. It also shows the uncompromising attitude of the Baloch people with respect to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, be it with Pakistan or with the United States. The world should thus be vigilant before dealing with Pakistan, where state-sponsored terrorism is indeed a norm.
