The prominent Baloch political figure Shri Hyrbyair Marri has issued a forceful statement backing Afghanistan as tensions escalate between Islamabad and Kabul, accusing Pakistan of repeated violations of international law.
In remarks released on Wednesday, Mr Marri alleged that Pakistan had carried out “unprovoked airstrikes and drone attacks” against Afghan civilians and condemned what he described as the international community’s silence over operations in both Afghanistan and Balochistan. He argued that continued inaction had emboldened Islamabad to disregard international conventions and the rights of Afghan and Baloch people.
Mr Marri criticised the historical legitimacy of the Durand Line, the frontier established during British rule, claiming it represented a “forced dismemberment” of Afghanistan and Balochistan. He said Afghan historians maintain that Emir Abdul Rahman Khan did not consent to the agreement and noted that successive Afghan grand councils, or Loya Jirgas, have rejected its validity.
Islamabad has long maintained that the Durand Line constitutes the internationally recognised border between the two countries.
The Baloch leader further alleged that Pakistan had “illegally and forcibly occupied” Balochistan and accused the Pakistani state of committing abuses in the province — claims the Pakistani authorities have previously denied.
Calling for closer alignment between Afghans and Baloch, Mr Marri invoked historical examples of co-operation, including resistance to British forces in the 19th century and earlier conflicts involving Afghan rulers. He cited battles in the early 18th century in which Baloch fighters supported Afghan uprisings against Persian rule.
In a strongly worded passage, Mr Marri argued that an independent Balochistan would maintain peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan and India, and would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for hostilities.
He also referred to the aftermath of the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace to Indian international flights, describing the move as economically damaging.
The statement concluded with criticism of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several Muslim-majority governments, accusing them of inconsistency in their responses to territorial disputes in the wider region.
There was no immediate response from Pakistani officials to Mr Marri’s latest remarks.
