Balochistan Warns of Regional Instability, Nuclear Proliferation Risks

London: The Republic of Balochistan has expressed deep concern over the defence agreement concluded by Saudi Arabia and Türkiye with Pakistan, arguing that the arrangement could further complicate an already volatile regional security environment.

In a statement dated August 9, the Republic of Balochistan alleged that Pakistan has maintained an external military presence across Balochistan’s maritime and terrestrial territories for nearly eight decades. It said any defence cooperation with Islamabad should take into consideration Balochistan’s stated position and its claims of sovereignty.

The statement also raised concerns over the potential implications of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, alleging that closer defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia could eventually facilitate the transfer or sale of nuclear weapons to other Muslim countries. According to Balochistan, such a development could trigger a wider nuclear arms race and create the risk of a devastating regional conflict.

Balochistan further alleged that Pakistan could seek to use nuclear proliferation as a means of addressing its economic difficulties, while attempting to expand the reach of its nuclear programme.

The Republic of Balochistan said that, as a country it describes as free and sovereign, it has the inherent right to establish relations with countries across the region and the wider international community on the basis of mutual respect, peace, equality and trust.

It urged Riyadh and Ankara to give serious consideration to Balochistan’s position before implementing defence arrangements with Pakistan, particularly as Balochistan prepares to observe the anniversary of its independence nationwide on August 11.

The statement warned that defence cooperation with Pakistan could have consequences for future relations between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Balochistan. It also declared that Balochistan would not consider itself bound by defence, economic, political or diplomatic agreements concluded by Pakistan.

The Republic of Balochistan further asserted that Pakistan has no legal, political or moral authority over Balochistan’s territory, coastline, maritime boundaries or natural resources.

Turning to Pakistan’s economic and security challenges, Balochistan argued that Türkiye and Saudi Arabia should place greater emphasis on developing relations with resource-rich Balochistan rather than continuing to shoulder the economic burden associated with Pakistan.

The statement also questioned Pakistan’s ability to contribute effectively to the defence of other countries, claiming that Pakistani forces continue to face difficulties maintaining their presence and protecting projects in Balochistan.

“Balochistan makes it clear to Riyadh and Ankara that it is not bound by any defence, economic, political or diplomatic agreements entered into by Pakistan,” the statement said, describing agreements concluded by Pakistan with the international community as lacking validity from Balochistan’s perspective.

The Republic of Balochistan called on Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to take its position into account as regional defence alignments evolve, warning that the consequences could extend beyond bilateral security cooperation and affect the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the Middle East.