The Republic of Balochistan — a political movement seeking independence from Pakistan — has praised Finland’s decision to shut down its embassy in Islamabad, calling the move a “principled stance” amid what it describes as worsening governance and security conditions in Pakistan.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mir Yar Baloch, a spokesperson for the self-declared Republic of Balochistan, said Finland’s withdrawal reflects “deep concerns” over Islamabad’s conduct, urging other countries to reconsider their diplomatic engagement with Pakistan.
According to the statement, the group accuses Pakistani state institutions of suppressing democratic rights, destabilising regional security, and committing widespread human rights abuses. These claims have long been denied by Pakistan.
Praise for Afghan Border Closure
The group also welcomed recent decisions by Afghanistan’s government to halt trade and shut key border crossings along the Durand Line. The statement alleges that these routes had been “exploited” by Pakistani state-linked actors — a claim Afghan officials have not publicly confirmed but follows months of heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
Calling Afghanistan’s move “historic,” the Balochistan group said it demonstrated “regional willingness to protect sovereignty and security.”
Plans for a Permanently Closed Border
The organisation further declared that any future independent Balochistan government would keep its border with Pakistan permanently closed. It argued that the region does not rely on trade routes through Pakistan and instead highlighted its strategic coastline, which it claims could offer direct maritime access for Afghanistan and India to wider Central Asian and European markets.
Citing UAE Visa Restrictions
The statement went on to praise the United Arab Emirates for tightening visa rules for Pakistani nationals, alleging concerns about organised criminal networks operating in the Gulf. UAE authorities have not issued any public statements naming Pakistan in relation to these measures.
The Baloch group cited a recent high-profile arrest involving a cattle-theft ring as evidence of what it described as “escalating security concerns.”
Renewed Accusations Against Islamabad
The Republic of Balochistan reiterated long-standing accusations against Pakistan of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and resource exploitation in the region — allegations regularly rejected by Islamabad, which maintains that it combats insurgency in the province and denies targeting civilians.
The statement concluded by calling on the international community to “hold Pakistan’s institutions accountable” and support the Baloch people’s political aspirations.
The comments were also shared on social media, tagging Finland’s foreign ministry and prominent Baloch nationalist figures.
