A leading Baloch nationalist leader has announced the formation of a “council for independent Balochistan” and rejected any reconciliation with the Pakistan government without the mediation of the European Union and the United Nations.
Mir Suleman Dawood, the head of the erstwhile ruling family of the former princely state of Kalat ( see box) which is now part of Balochistan province, told reporters on phone from London on Tuesday that the council will “ensure the creation of an independent state of Balochistan”.
He said the “Baloch had lost trust in Pakistani rulers”. However, if the European Union and the UN mediated, negotiations could be held with the Pakistan government, he said.
Baloch separatist forces of Pakistan and Iran will have representation in the council for independent Balochistan, Dawood claimed.
Nawabzada Baramdagh Bugti, another leading Baloch nationalist leader from the Bugti clan, will be a member of the council.
Dawood said he was in touch with Bugti and “other forces which stood for an independent Balochistan”.
Dawood claimed he was “enjoying the support of friendly and like-minded countries who had promised all help and cooperation”.
{{/usCountry}}Dawood claimed he was “enjoying the support of friendly and like-minded countries who had promised all help and cooperation”.
{{/usCountry}}