Balochistan
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Context: India strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking it to the Jaffar Express train hijacking in Balochistan, calling them baseless.
About Balochistan:
• Situated in: Western Pakistan, forming its largest and most sparsely populated province.
• Borders: Iran (west), Afghanistan (northwest), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab (northeast and east), Sindh (southeast), and the Arabian Sea (south).
• Historical Background
• Ancient Inhabitants: Passed through the Stone and Bronze Ages and was part of Alexander the Great’s empire.
• Baloch Migration: The Baloch people arrived in the 14th century CE, integrating with existing populations.
• Colonial & Post-Colonial Era: Became part of British India and later Pakistan in 1947. Balochistan was formally declared a separate province in 1970.
• Geographical Features:
• Mountains: Sulaiman Range: Forms the eastern boundary, extending into Afghanistan. Toba Kakar Range: Located in the northwest, forming a natural border. Makran, Kharan, Chagai Ranges: Predominantly in western Balochistan, extending towards Iran.
• Sulaiman Range: Forms the eastern boundary, extending into Afghanistan.
• Toba Kakar Range: Located in the northwest, forming a natural border.
• Makran, Kharan, Chagai Ranges: Predominantly in western Balochistan, extending towards Iran.
• Rivers & Water Bodies: Hingol River: Largest River in Balochistan, draining into the Arabian Sea. Dasht River: Major River in southwestern Balochistan.
• Hingol River: Largest River in Balochistan, draining into the Arabian Sea.
• Dasht River: Major River in southwestern Balochistan.
• Deserts & Plains: Chagai & Kharan Deserts: Arid, barren regions in northwestern Balochistan. Makran Coastal Belt: Extends along the Arabian Sea, known for Gwadar Port and strategic importance. Bolan Pass: A historically significant route connecting Balochistan to Afghanistan.
• Chagai & Kharan Deserts: Arid, barren regions in northwestern Balochistan.
• Makran Coastal Belt: Extends along the Arabian Sea, known for Gwadar Port and strategic importance.
• Bolan Pass: A historically significant route connecting Balochistan to Afghanistan.