Mir Yar Baloch Denounces Mosque Destruction by Pakistan in Balochistan

Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent Baloch nationalist and advocate for human rights, has vocally criticized Pakistan for the demolition of approximately 40 mosques in the resource-rich province of Balochistan. His statements surfaced in the context of Pakistan's severe condemnation of India's recent actions regarding the profiling of mosques, imams, and religious committees in Jammu and Kashmir.

Baloch highlighted the inconsistency of Pakistan's stance, pointing out that while Islamabad accuses India of interfering in religious matters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), its own security forces have engaged in the destruction and desecration of mosques in Balochistan. He asserted that such actions reveal Pakistan as a “terrorist state” that employs religious extremists to threaten and persecute minority communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians.

He emphasized that the Republic of Balochistan backs India's principled stance on PoJK, condemning Pakistan for lecturing others on minority rights while it blatantly disregards them domestically. According to Mir Yar Baloch, the military and affiliated forces in Pakistan have bombed mosques, incinerated sacred texts such as the Quran, and even kidnapped mosque leaders, all as part of a wider effort to suppress the Baloch populace.

The initial mosque to be attacked was the historical mosque of the Khan of Kalat, once the leader of Balochistan. This site experienced severe bombardment when Pakistani artillery targeted civilian areas during military campaigns. The evident damage from mortar fire on this mosque serves as a stark symbol of Pakistan’s oppressive governance, which Mir Yar Baloch deems “un-Islamic behavior.”

Balochistan is endowed with extensive natural resources yet remains economically backward and politically tumultuous. The Baloch nationalist movement, advocating for enhanced autonomy or full independence, has a long and fraught history. While this insurgency has fluctuated in intensity over the years, it persistently challenges Islamabad's authority. Following their declaration of independence in May 2025, the region remains precarious, with regular assaults on Pakistani military forces and infrastructure projects, including those affiliated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Mir Yar Baloch’s forceful comments illuminate the ongoing human rights violations and the entrenched political strife in Balochistan, raising significant questions about Pakistan's actions and objectives in the area. The wreckage of mosques and other sacred sites exacerbates tensions and casts doubt on Pakistan's claims of upholding religious freedom.