Baloch Leader Warns Trump: F-16s Could Be Used for Bombing in Balochistan; Urges U.S. to Halt Military Aid to Pakistan

Islamabad/Washington: Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch has raised serious concerns over U.S. military assistance to Pakistan, urging President Donald Trump to reconsider support for the Pakistan Army under General Asim Munir and the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The appeal comes at a critical time, as the Trump administration has approved a $686 million package to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets. In an open letter, Mir Yar claimed that the weapons, including F-16 upgrades, are being used not for defense but to commit atrocities against Baloch civilians in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province.

Allegations of Misuse of U.S. Weapons
Mir Yar’s letter emphasizes that for 77 years, Baloch people have faced military oppression, enforced disappearances, and massacres under Pakistani rule. “These acts are being carried out using weapons manufactured in the United States,” he wrote. He called the provision of upgraded F-16s and other military aid a betrayal by Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif, warning that it would intensify violence against women and children in Balochistan.

Risk of Technology Transfer to Iran
Mir Yar also cautioned that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, is reportedly collaborating with Iran and Turkey in covert operations against U.S. and Israeli interests. He warned that American F-16 technology and other weapons could potentially be transferred to Iran, which might then use them against the United States.

U.S. Review Underway
The Trump administration has formally notified the U.S. Congress about the $686 million F-16 upgrade package, triggering a mandatory 30-day review period. The proposal includes modernization of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and additional security assistance.

Mir Yar’s open appeal underscores growing concerns among Baloch activists and human rights organizations that U.S. military aid to Pakistan could be misused against civilians, raising ethical and strategic questions for American policymakers.