Balochistan

Balochistan (or Baluchistan) is an arid region of south Asia, presently split between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The area is named after the numerous Baloch (or Baluch, Balouch) tribes who moved in to the area from the west some time around 1000. The southern part of Balochistan is known as Makran.

Before the arrival of the Baloch, the region was populated by Pashtuns and Brahuis. The Pashtuns are now concentrated in Sibi, Bolan, Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Zhob, Ziarat and Harnai. Many Brahuis live in Kalat. Languages spoken in the region include Balochi, Pashto and Brahui.

Balochistan was conquered by the British Empire on October 1, 1887.

In 1948, Pakistan annexed Balochistan against the will of the Baloch, which resulted in three wars of independence, the first led by Karim Khan in 1948, in 1968 led by Nawab Nowroz Khan and then in 1973-1977 by many Baloch tribes led by Marri and Mengal chiefs. All of these wars for independence were ruthlessly crushed by the army of Pakistan.

The modern Pakistanian province of Balochistan comprises a part of Balochistan. In Iran, there is the Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Balochistan

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