Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri expresses solidarity with Afghans, condemns Pakistani aggression and British-era Durand line
Baloch pro-independence leader Hyrbyair Marri reaffirmed the historic bond between the Baloch and Afghan nations, stating his unwavering support for Afghanistan amid what he characterized as “Punjabi aggression” by Pakistan, reports 24brussels.
In a statement on X, Marri highlighted the long-standing alliance of mutual respect and cooperation that has characterized the relationship between the Baloch and Afghan peoples throughout history. He noted that Afghans have consistently stood by the Baloch during challenging times, offering refuge and assistance, and that this solidarity has been reciprocated. “When the Afghans fought their independence war against Persian occupation, the Baloch were fighting beside them,” he stated, emphasizing the enduring nature of their alliance.
Condemning what he described as an “unprovoked attack” on Kabul and the contested Durand Line, Marri argued that the colonial-era border, drawn by the British, is rejected by both the Baloch and Afghans. He accused Pakistan of acting only in its own interests, labeling it a “puppet of the British Empire.”
Marri further criticized Pakistan’s use of the transit trade route as leverage in its disputes with Afghanistan, clarifying that the route traverses Balochistan rather than Punjab. He asserted that an independent Balochistan would foster equitable trade relations with Afghanistan, with a commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue, rather than coercion.
Reinforcing his dedication to the Baloch-Afghan alliance, Marri concluded, “For centuries, the Baloch and Afghan nations have stood by and supported each other, and still nothing has changed; we stand by the Afghans against the Punjabi aggression.”
In related developments, the Afghan Ministry of Defence reported that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) conducted counterstrikes against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line late Saturday night, responding to ongoing violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and recent airstrikes on Afghan territory.
The ministry announced on X, “Tonight, our armed forces conducted a successful retaliatory operation against the centers of Pakistani forces along the Durand Line in response to the repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The operation concluded around midnight.” It also warned that Afghan forces are prepared to defend the nation’s borders against any further incursions. “If the Pakistani side violates Afghanistan’s sovereignty again, our armed forces are prepared to defend the country’s borders and will respond decisively,” the statement concluded.
