Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent Baloch leader, has strongly criticized the recent trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan concerning the development of oil reserves, asserting that Balochistan’s resources are not Pakistan’s to exploit. In a public statement and a letter addressed to former US President Donald Trump, Baloch rejected Pakistan’s claims over the region’s resources, emphasizing that the oil, gas, and mineral wealth belong to the sovereign land of Balochistan and the Baloch people. Baloch accused Pakistan of misrepresenting facts to gain control over these resources for economic advantage. He highlighted that resources like rare earth elements, copper, lithium, uranium, and oil belong to the Baloch people, and the Pakistani government has no right to trade or sell them. He cautioned that any partnership with Pakistan over Balochistan’s resources would empower the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which he described as a rogue agency with a history of supporting terrorism. Profits generated through such deals, he warned, would not benefit the Baloch people but would instead finance militant operations, particularly those targeting India and Israel. Baloch reiterated Balochistan’s declaration of independence in May 2025 and urged international recognition of its sovereignty, declaring that Balochistan is not for sale and that the Baloch people will not permit exploitation of their land without their consent. The statement has sparked renewed discussions on resource ownership, foreign involvement, and Pakistan’s ongoing occupation of Balochistan. Trump had announced a deal with Pakistan to develop its oil reserves, stating that the US would partner with Pakistan on this venture.
