Baloch activist and leader Mir Yar Baloch has claimed that separatist groups have established control over 85 per cent of Pakistan’s Balochistan province and appealed to the international community to recognise it as an independent country.In a letter posted on X and dated July 13, Mir Baloch claimed that Balochistan had declared independence, adopted a national flag and anthem, introduced a currency called the “Balochi Falus” and established governing and security structures.He further asserted that the separatist groups controlled key natural resources, including gold and copper mines, gas fields and coal mines across the region.The letter also claimed that a force comprising military, naval, air and civil personnel was administering the territory and would seek to remove what it described as Pakistan’s “occupying forces” by the end of 2026.Mir Baloch further alleged that increasing numbers of Baloch and Pashtun personnel were resigning from Pakistan’s security forces and urged the international community to formally recognise what he called the “Republic of Balochistan”.He also said the proposed state would not allow its territory, airspace or coastline to be used by Pakistan’s military for operations against neighbouring countries.The claims made in the letter could not be independently verified. There has been no official confirmation from Pakistan or international organisations that an independent Baloch state has been established or exercises territorial control as asserted.Pakistan has long faced a separatist insurgency in Balochistan, its largest but least populous province. Several armed groups have sought independence or greater autonomy.Islamabad maintains that it exercises sovereign authority over the province and has consistently rejected separatist claims, describing militant groups operating there as terrorist organisations.No country or international organisation has recognised an independent Republic of Balochistan, and Balochistan continues to be internationally recognised as a part of Pakistan.