Balochistan (or Baluchistan), also known as "Greater 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, Pakistan was conquered by the British Empire on October 1, 1887.
The Pakistani province of Balochistan became part of Pakistan in 1948. Since then, some separatist groups in the province have engaged in armed violence, led by "Prince" Karim Khan in 1948, "Nawab" Nowroz Khan in 1968. These tribal uprisings were limited in their scope. A more serious insurgency led by Marri and Mengal tribal chiefs in 1973-1977 was put down by the army of Pakistan.
The modern Pakistani province of Balochistan comprises a part of Balochistan. In Iran, there is the Sistan and Baluchistan province.
External links
- Images of Balochistan Province
- http://balochvoice.com/
- Balochistan Development Gateway
- http://www.balochistan.org
- Balochistan insurgency of 1973-1977