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The Problem of “Greater Baluchistan”
(The Balochi Bible)
By Dr. Inayatullah Baluch
The Problem of “Greater Baluchistan”: A Study of Baluch Nationalism.
Stuttgart: Steiner Verlag Wiesbaden GmbH 198Z VIII, 298.S. (Beitrige zur Siidasienforschung, Bd..1,16, Siidasien-Institut Universitit Heidelberg). DM
58- brosch.
It is the great merit of this book to offer an authoritative study of the problem of greater Baluchistan which not only is based on a foundation of sound
research and historical understanding,but also critically analyses both the historical developments and the current political and legal framework
within which the problem is set. The book is probably the only presently available work of high quality on the subject. It will be of considerable interest
to all persons and institutions concerned with the region, whether from the standpoint of international law or international relations.
The book is the author’s 1983 Dr. phil thesis, now published under the auspices of the South Asia Institute, University of Heidelberg. The work deals
with the politically divided nation of Baluchistan which lies in the States of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan,
Baluchistan has jumped from obscurity to great prominence and has become an issue of importance in foreign policy. Baluchistan strategic location,
commanding a long sea-coast, and the West dependence on oil have increased its importance.
Western writers have recently shown concern about the rise of Baluch nationalism in Iran and Pakistan. Previously, Baluchistan and the problems of
Baluch nationalism were often ignored or disregarded. There has been a dearth of reliable information in the West on these matters as well as an
almost total Jack of authentic scholarly and historical work on the Baluch and Baluchistan. This situation still largely prevails. Much information about
t4e and their land comes from Islamabad, Kabul and Teheran, but this is nearly all essentially one sided. Baluchistan unpublished record lies buried
in the British archives, and in the royal archive at Kalat which was the seat of the independent Baluch Government and is situated to the south of
Quetta in Pakistan.
Inayatullah Baluch spent several years collecting material, mainly in Baluchistan and the, United Kingdom. He is the first Baluch historian who has
traced the evolution of the idea of greater, Baluchistan and its implications, basing his study on primary sources. The book is divided into eight
chapters along with an annex of unpublished documents.
Baloch points out that the international frontiers of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan were drawn by the imperialist powers (Great Britain- and Russia)
During the so-called “Great Game”. These frontiers in turn have given birth to ethnic conflicts in the region and tensions in inter-State relations,
especially between Pakistan and, Afghanistan. The author suggests that the future of States like Pakistan will remain insecure because of the
demand of its divided nationalities for the right of self-determination. In this regard, the book provides an interesting comparison between
Bangladesh and current Baluch demands.
The author considers the status of the first frontier agreements which resulted in
Baluchistan’s division into three parts during the 19th century. The author finds these agreements to be unequal treaties because the ruler was
forced to agree to them. Later agreements and boundary demarcations took place without the consultation of the government at Kalat.
The book provides information about the unwritten
constitution of the Baluch and the code of honour which plays an important role in daily life. This section of the book iS of particular interest for
scholars of constitutional law. The author
provides detailed information on the subject of customary law and on its clash with Pakistani laws. There has been little attempt by constitutional
experts to study this aspect of constitutional life in Pakistan. British laws which were adopted to crush the Baluch liberation struggle are still enforced.
Therefore, according to the author, the Baluch code of honour has served to strengthen the demand for the right of self-determination.
During the “Great Game” Baluchistan was treated at various times by the British as an independent sovereign State, as a vassal of Afghanistan, a
protectorate of Britain and as an Indian Native State of the British Empire. For the short period of eight months (from August 1947 to- March 1948),
Baluchistan was recognized by the departing British as well as by Pakistan as a sovereign independent State with non-Indian status, which had
diplomatic ties with foreign neighbour States. The legal instruments of this period play an important role in the rise of Baluch nationalism and are
thoroughly analyzed by the author.
The author also provides information about Jinnah’s contribution as a legal advisor in helping the Baluch to establish an independent Khanate of
Baluchistan. According to the author account, in September 1947 Jinnah and his government accepted. British instructions and forced the ruler of
Baluchistan to merge with Pakistan. This single event has given rise to continuing waves of political unrest, even in present day Baluchistan.
At this stage in the book it is evident that the author, who is a Baluch of originally Pakistani nationality, clearly believes the question of the right of self-
determination to be likely to remain of great concern in Baluchistan. From this
perspective, the unification of Baluchistan would seem to be the ultimate mission of Baluch nationalists.
Supporters of the so-called multi-nation theory have been prosecuted in Pakistan. The author’s courage in publishing this book can be appreciated
from the fact that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has stated that to uphold a right of, self-determination in the sense of including secession be an act
of high treason under the permanent Constitution and as such punishable by the death penalty.
Whatever the reader’s final conclusions in the matter, the book deserves attention for its author’s thorough, consistent and scholarly approach. The
author’s determination in producing his study has been rewarded by the appearance of a
work which can contribute to better understanding of a complex, delicate and important subject. Those seeking such understanding are unlikely to be
disappointed when they read this work.
The Book :Problem of Greater Balochistan" is coming soon.
Related Links:
(The Balochi Bible)
By Dr. Inayatullah Baluch
The Problem of “Greater Baluchistan”: A Study of Baluch Nationalism.
Stuttgart: Steiner Verlag Wiesbaden GmbH 198Z VIII, 298.S. (Beitrige zur Siidasienforschung, Bd..1,16, Siidasien-Institut Universitit Heidelberg). DM
58- brosch.
It is the great merit of this book to offer an authoritative study of the problem of greater Baluchistan which not only is based on a foundation of sound
research and historical understanding,but also critically analyses both the historical developments and the current political and legal framework
within which the problem is set. The book is probably the only presently available work of high quality on the subject. It will be of considerable interest
to all persons and institutions concerned with the region, whether from the standpoint of international law or international relations.
The book is the author’s 1983 Dr. phil thesis, now published under the auspices of the South Asia Institute, University of Heidelberg. The work deals
with the politically divided nation of Baluchistan which lies in the States of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan,
Baluchistan has jumped from obscurity to great prominence and has become an issue of importance in foreign policy. Baluchistan strategic location,
commanding a long sea-coast, and the West dependence on oil have increased its importance.
Western writers have recently shown concern about the rise of Baluch nationalism in Iran and Pakistan. Previously, Baluchistan and the problems of
Baluch nationalism were often ignored or disregarded. There has been a dearth of reliable information in the West on these matters as well as an
almost total Jack of authentic scholarly and historical work on the Baluch and Baluchistan. This situation still largely prevails. Much information about
t4e and their land comes from Islamabad, Kabul and Teheran, but this is nearly all essentially one sided. Baluchistan unpublished record lies buried
in the British archives, and in the royal archive at Kalat which was the seat of the independent Baluch Government and is situated to the south of
Quetta in Pakistan.
Inayatullah Baluch spent several years collecting material, mainly in Baluchistan and the, United Kingdom. He is the first Baluch historian who has
traced the evolution of the idea of greater, Baluchistan and its implications, basing his study on primary sources. The book is divided into eight
chapters along with an annex of unpublished documents.
Baloch points out that the international frontiers of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan were drawn by the imperialist powers (Great Britain- and Russia)
During the so-called “Great Game”. These frontiers in turn have given birth to ethnic conflicts in the region and tensions in inter-State relations,
especially between Pakistan and, Afghanistan. The author suggests that the future of States like Pakistan will remain insecure because of the
demand of its divided nationalities for the right of self-determination. In this regard, the book provides an interesting comparison between
Bangladesh and current Baluch demands.
The author considers the status of the first frontier agreements which resulted in
Baluchistan’s division into three parts during the 19th century. The author finds these agreements to be unequal treaties because the ruler was
forced to agree to them. Later agreements and boundary demarcations took place without the consultation of the government at Kalat.
The book provides information about the unwritten
constitution of the Baluch and the code of honour which plays an important role in daily life. This section of the book iS of particular interest for
scholars of constitutional law. The author
provides detailed information on the subject of customary law and on its clash with Pakistani laws. There has been little attempt by constitutional
experts to study this aspect of constitutional life in Pakistan. British laws which were adopted to crush the Baluch liberation struggle are still enforced.
Therefore, according to the author, the Baluch code of honour has served to strengthen the demand for the right of self-determination.
During the “Great Game” Baluchistan was treated at various times by the British as an independent sovereign State, as a vassal of Afghanistan, a
protectorate of Britain and as an Indian Native State of the British Empire. For the short period of eight months (from August 1947 to- March 1948),
Baluchistan was recognized by the departing British as well as by Pakistan as a sovereign independent State with non-Indian status, which had
diplomatic ties with foreign neighbour States. The legal instruments of this period play an important role in the rise of Baluch nationalism and are
thoroughly analyzed by the author.
The author also provides information about Jinnah’s contribution as a legal advisor in helping the Baluch to establish an independent Khanate of
Baluchistan. According to the author account, in September 1947 Jinnah and his government accepted. British instructions and forced the ruler of
Baluchistan to merge with Pakistan. This single event has given rise to continuing waves of political unrest, even in present day Baluchistan.
At this stage in the book it is evident that the author, who is a Baluch of originally Pakistani nationality, clearly believes the question of the right of self-
determination to be likely to remain of great concern in Baluchistan. From this
perspective, the unification of Baluchistan would seem to be the ultimate mission of Baluch nationalists.
Supporters of the so-called multi-nation theory have been prosecuted in Pakistan. The author’s courage in publishing this book can be appreciated
from the fact that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has stated that to uphold a right of, self-determination in the sense of including secession be an act
of high treason under the permanent Constitution and as such punishable by the death penalty.
Whatever the reader’s final conclusions in the matter, the book deserves attention for its author’s thorough, consistent and scholarly approach. The
author’s determination in producing his study has been rewarded by the appearance of a
work which can contribute to better understanding of a complex, delicate and important subject. Those seeking such understanding are unlikely to be
disappointed when they read this work.
The Book :Problem of Greater Balochistan" is coming soon.
Related Links: