Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sparked controversy after claiming that the country’s Hindu population is free and prefers staying in Pakistan over moving to India. However, official census data directly contradict his claims, showing a sharp demographic decline. Meanwhile, prominent Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch rejected Islamabad’s authority, labeled Pakistan a rogue state, and offered Balochistan’s seaports to support India’s trade.
We have a 4% Hindu population in Pakistan.
“Their immortal sacrifice continues to inspire all nations striving for justice and self-determination,” he added. “On this sacred and proud occasion of India’s Independence, we, on behalf of the Republic of Balochistan, extend our congratulations from the depths of our hearts,” Mir Yar Baloch wrote in a statement addressed to PM Modi. Speaking on regional geopolitical dynamics and foreign relations, President Zardari addressed the status of religious minorities in his country. His statement attempted to project an image of tolerance despite mounting international scrutiny over Pakistan’s human rights record. “The Indians believe in Akhand Bharat. But we are Muslims. They are not. But we are Muslims of the mindset that tolerates. They are as free as anywhere else. They would rather be with us than India,” claims Pakistan President Zardari. Leading a call for mass dissociation from Pakistani state events, Mir Yar Baloch urged six crore Baloch people worldwide to hoist black flags and wear black armbands to signal their rejection of Pakistani rule. A day later, he extended warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the landmark occasion of the nation’s Independence Day. Pitching strong economic and strategic ties with New Delhi, the Baloch leader expressed full support for India’s economic growth targets, emphasizing that a bilateral partnership could transform regional trade. “Honourable Prime Minister, it is your long-cherished dream and manifesto to make India the world’s third-largest economy. By laying the foundation of Make in India, you have set India on the path of economic and defence self-reliance. We feel proud that the Republic of Balochistan can give wings to this dream,” he stated.
