Hyrbyair Marri Condemns Pakistani General’s Remarks, Reaffirms Commitment to Independence

LONDON: In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Hyrbyair Marri, the President of the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM), lashed out at Pakistan’s top military official, General Asim Munir, accusing him of insulting the Baloch nation and reaffirming the Baloch people’s determination for independence.

Marri was responding to reported comments by General Munir in which the army chief claimed that the Baloch would not be able to achieve independence “even in 10 generations.” The Baloch leader characterised the statement as a “direct challenge” and an “affront” to the Baloch people, asserting that such rhetoric will not be forgotten or forgiven.

“The Baloch will prove him wrong,” Marri declared. “We will not forgive this insult, and we will answer it.”

He further accused the Pakistani establishment of attempting to portray Baloch nationalists as enemies of Islam and agents of foreign powers, particularly India. Marri rejected these accusations, saying that the Baloch have a long history of resistance against colonialism, dating back to the Portuguese and British empires—well before the formation of modern-day Pakistan or the Republic of India.

Marri condemned Pakistan’s religious manipulation and the use of Islamic symbolism to suppress the Baloch struggle. “Islam doesn’t need Pakistan’s protection,” he said, adding that the Baloch people embraced the faith long before Pakistan existed. He emphasised that the current Pakistan uses religion as a political tool to delegitimize dissent.

The FBM president also addressed recent economic announcements by the Pakistani government, including a Rs 1,000 billion allocation for the Public Sector Development Programme, with Rs 250 billion earmarked for Balochistan. He called the gesture a “gimmick,” arguing that it was an attempt to placate Balochistan while continuing to exploit its resources.

“You cannot buy the Baloch nation,” Marri stated. “Even if the full 100% of revenue was offered, we would not trade our independence.”

The post also targeted figures accused of collaborating with the Pakistani state, singling out Sarfaraz Bhatti, the current Chief Minister of Balochistan and head of a pro-government death squads. Marri likened Bhatti to Marshal Philippe Pétain of Vichy France, accusing him of betrayal and claiming he has been involved in the killing of hundreds of Baloch activists.

Marri concluded with a broader condemnation of what he termed “Punjabi colonialism,” criticising the military’s historical role as a tool of British imperial interests and now, allegedly, Chinese influence.

“Pakistan continues to serve multiple masters,” he claimed, “from the British to now China—earning the title Dalal-e-Cheen (China’s agent).”

The Free Balochistan Movement, a UK-based political organisation, advocates for the independence of Balochistan, a region currently occupied by Iran, Pakistan and its Sourthern part spans Afghanistan. The movement’s leaders have long been informing the international communality about Pakistan’s atrocities and Pakistani army’s widespread human rights abuses in Balochistan.