The United States has for the first time spoken about its position on the idea of separating Balochistan from the rest of Pakistan.
The State Department said that the US respects the territorial integrity of Pakistan, adding that it is not the policy of the administration to support independence for Balochistan.
The comments from the department came after Republican Louie Gohmert recently proposed creating a new, friendly state - Balochistan- within the borders of neighbouring Pakistan to bring about peace in the region.
The department said that they were aware of Gohmert's comments, adding that members of Congress express a wide range of views and such comments did not in any way imply U.S. government's endorsement.