BALOCHISTAN | IAS GYAN

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Context

Since 1947, Baloch separatism has been a continuing issue in Pakistan.
The origins of the Balochistan crisis go way back to the time of the independence of India and Pakistan, and more than 500 princely states had to decide to join either India or Pakistan.
- Balochistan had desired to join India, but there is no considerable evidence pointing to it.
- It remain an independent state till March 1948, after that the ruler, under political pressure, signed the instrument of accession with Pakistan.

About

Balochistan is the largest among the 4 provinces in Pakistan.
It is located in the southwestern part of Pakistan.
It is extremely rich in natural resources including gas, oil, copper, and gold.
Before Independence, the area of Balochistan has several tribes, whose chiefs were in treaty relationships with Britishers.
- The Khan of Kalat was the most important among these chiefs. His territories were divided among a number of feudatories with varying levels of independence.
  - He formed the Balochistan States Union.
- The British got into an agreement with the Khanate of Kalat in 1876, establishing direct rule over it.
After 1948, accession with Pakistan, many people and organizations revolted, but they were brutally suppressed by the Pakistani forces and its leaders were imprisoned.
Many people are still demanding an independent state of Balochistan.

Balochistan

Westernmost province of Pakistan.
It is bordered by
- Iran (west)
- Afghanistan (northwest)
- by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces (northeast and east)
- by Sindh province (southeast)
- by the Arabian Sea (south).
It is the largest and most sparsely populated province in Pakistan. Its capital is Quetta
Flat plains extend northward along the coast into the mountains; in the northwest, an arid desert region consists of the Chagai, Kharan, and Makran deserts and the swamps of Lora and Mashkel.
Agriculture is limited by the scarcity of water, power, and adequate transportation facilities.
The sheep provide high-quality wool, part of which is exported.
Almost all industry is small-scale; it includes cotton and woollen manufacturing, food processing, carpet making, textile and leather embroidery, small machinery and appliance manufacturing, and handicrafts.