As the world solemnly marks the anniversary of the tragic September 11 attacks, a day of grief and global unity against terrorism, it is disheartening to witness individual proxies like Mir Yar Baloch hijack this occasion to peddle misinformation, advance terrorists’ agendas, and malign sovereign nations. His recent letter to the families of 9/11 victims is not just opportunistic, but deliberately misleading, steeped in half-truths and political propaganda.
Pakistan’s Role in the Global War on Terror
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Pakistan stood with the international community, joining the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism. Far from being a safe haven for terrorists, Pakistan became one of the most crucial front-line states in the war on terror, conducting numerous operations across its territory. These operations led to the capture or elimination of hundreds of terrorists, many of whom were handed over to the United States and detained at Guantánamo Bay.
To suggest that Pakistan “sheltered” Osama bin Laden, as Indian account Mir Yar Baloch alleges, is a gross distortion of complex intelligence realities. The presence of bin Laden in Abbottabad was not a state-sanctioned operation — rather, it was widely recognized as a global intelligence failure, much like the inability to prevent the 9/11 attacks themselves.
In fact, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s critical role in counterterrorism, notably praising Pakistan for capturing key figures of the Islamic State involved in the 2021 Kabul Airport attack. These facts cannot be ignored when evaluating Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and security.
Balochistan: Development, Not Occupation
Comparing the unimaginable horror of 9/11 to internal issues in Balochistan is both deeply offensive and politically dishonest. Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan, recognized by the international community. While challenges persist in the province — as they do in any developing region — the Government of Pakistan has invested significantly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and development projects aimed at uplifting the people of Balochistan.
Accusations of “aerial bombings, abductions, and executions” are recurring narratives often propelled by separatist militants and their foreign sponsors, primarily based in India, who seek to destabilize Pakistan through hybrid warfare. Individual proxies like Mir Yar Baloch do not represent the people of Balochistan — they represent fringe elements seeking asylum and attention abroad, often under the guidance of foreign intelligence handlers.
On Resource Utilization and Sovereignty
The claim that Pakistan is exploiting Balochistan’s natural wealth to fund its nuclear arsenal is not only baseless, it is laughably conspiratorial. Like any sovereign nation, Pakistan has the right to utilize its natural resources — including copper, gold, gas, and other minerals — for the benefit of its people and economic development. All resource deals, including those with international partners such as the United States or China, are conducted within the framework of national interest and legal governance.
Furthermore, allegations of “secret deals” with the Trump administration over Balochistan’s minerals lack any evidence and are typical of separatist fear-mongering. Pakistan and the United States, as two independent nations, maintain the right to engage in trade and strategic cooperation — and this does not require permission from separatist elements.
Perhaps the most outrageous aspect of Mir Yar Baloch’s letter is the attempt to weaponize the memory of 9/11. Framing U.S. support for Pakistan as a betrayal of 9/11 victims is a manipulative tactic, aimed not at justice or peace, but at driving a wedge between allies and international partners.
Let it be made clear: Pakistan mourns with the United States every year on this day, remembering the innocent lives lost, and reiterating our shared commitment to eradicating terrorism from every corner of the globe. Pakistan has paid a heavy price in the fight against terror — with over 80,000 lives lost, both military and civilian — in solidarity with the global cause of peace.
The letter by Mir Yar Baloch is a blatant piece of disinformation, timed to manipulate global emotions on the anniversary of 9/11. His statements are not only misleading, but they serve the interests of foreign actors who seek to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and global reputation.
As we honor the memory of 9/11 victims, let us also reject the cynical exploitation of tragedy for political gain. The path forward lies in cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and a unified stand against terrorism in all its forms — not in divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.
