London/Quetta: In a dramatic diplomatic appeal, the self-styled “Republic of Balochistan” has written to King Charles III urging Britain to revive historic treaties signed during the colonial era and formally recognise Balochistan as an independent state separate from Pakistan.
In the letter addressed to Buckingham Palace, Baloch representatives cited the 1854 and 1876 treaties signed between the Khanate of Kalat and British authorities, arguing that the agreements were never formally revoked and therefore retain historical significance. The communication claimed Britain has a “moral and political responsibility” to revisit the status of Balochistan amid ongoing regional tensions.
The appeal revisits long-standing Baloch nationalist claims that the former princely state of Kalat declared independence on August 11, 1947, before being “forcibly annexed” by Pakistan in 1948 following military intervention. The letter alleges decades of armed crackdowns, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings carried out by Pakistani security forces in the restive province.
Accusing Islamabad of exploiting Balochistan’s vast reserves of gas, gold and copper while denying locals access to development and basic services, the group also criticised the China-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project and Gwadar Port expansion, claiming local populations have been displaced and marginalised.
The letter further raised concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted in Chagai in 1998, alleging lasting environmental and health consequences for local communities in the Ras Koh region.
In one of its strongest assertions, the appeal claimed an independent Balochistan could serve as a strategic buffer against extremism and regional instability, while also helping counter Pakistan’s influence in South Asia and the Middle East.
The communication concludes with a request for Britain to permit the establishment of a Balochistan embassy in the UK and open formal diplomatic engagement with the separatist entity — a move that, if entertained, would sharply escalate tensions between Pakistan and United Kingdom.
