Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch has declared Balochistan independent from Pakistan and appealed to the United Nations and countries around the world to recognise it as the “Democratic Republic of Balochistan.”

In a statement shared online, Mir Yar Baloch claimed that Baloch forces had taken control of nearly 85% of the region and were administering it independently. He also asserted that the proposed republic had adopted its own flag, national anthem, currency and administrative structure.

The statement further claimed that the movement controlled major gold and copper mines, more than 150 gas fields and over 1,200 coal mines. It also alleged that nearly 500,000 personnel, including military and civil administration units, were serving under the new republic.

Mir Yar Baloch additionally claimed that several Baloch and Pashtun members of Pakistan’s Army, police and Frontier Corps had resigned and joined the movement.

However, none of these claims—including the alleged territorial control, force strength or establishment of a functioning government—have been independently verified, and Pakistan has not issued an official response.

The appeal urged the United Nations and its member states to formally recognise Balochistan as a sovereign nation, arguing that independence would prevent Pakistan from using the region’s territory, coastline and airspace for military operations.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area and rich in natural resources, has witnessed a decades-long separatist insurgency driven by allegations of political marginalisation, resource exploitation, military operations and enforced disappearances. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), one of the region’s most prominent armed groups, continues to seek complete independence and has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces, infrastructure and Chinese-linked projects.