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 in 1973-1977 Mir Hazar Khan Marri lead the Baloch libration movement under the nick named organization [BPLF] which was known as Balochistan peoples libration front which inflicted heavy casulities to Pakistani army.Then BPLF was froced to move to Afghanistan along with thousands of his supporters today Baloch fighters are fighting under the nick name BLA, BLM,BLO,etc. Mir Hazar Khan is now a ISI agent, and leading an army of Pakistani Paid Levis force against the Baloch Freedom Fighters. The modern Pakistani province of Balochistan comprises a part of Balochistan. In Iran, there is the Sistan and Baluchistan province.

External links

http://www.balochvoice.com

http://www.balochtawar.com

http://www.balochistan.org

Balochistan insurgency of 1973-1977 http://www.onwar.com/aced/data/papa/pakistan1973.htm