Balochistan a Conflict of Narratives

1000 - Mehrgarh Civilization

The Mehrgarh civilization (Neolithic civilization) developed in the Kachi plain of Balochistan near the Bolan Pass, considered older than the Indus and Gandhara civilizations.

1487 - 15th Century Rise of Mir Chakar Khan Rind

Mir Chakar Khan Rind emerged as a powerful Baloch leader and a great hero in Balochistan's history. He introduced major political changes, including moving the confederation's capital from Kach to Sibi in 1487, and brought vast areas of Balochistan under his control.

16th Century Expansion

In the early 16th century, Mir Chakar advanced into Punjab and captured Multan.

Late 18th Century Rule of Nasir Khan I

Nasir Khan I (1749-1793), the sixth Khan of Kalat, emerged as the most powerful and dynamic ruler of the Khanate. He claimed sovereignty over all Baloch lands and expanded his territory to include new areas like Karachi and large parts of Iranian Balochistan.

Late 18th Century Developments

Early 19th century: At the start of the 19th century, Ranjit Singh rose to power in Punjab, and Iran became more powerful in the west.

1838

Iran formally proposed the demarcation of the border between Persian and Baloch territories through a joint commission. Iranian and Baloch Khanate delegations met in Bampur on December 1, 1869, under the supervision of General Goldsmid, the senior commissioner of the joint Baloch border commission. The Baloch delegations were

1854

An agreement was reached between Britain and the Khan of Kalat, whereby the Khan pledged not to establish direct relations with any country without British approval and to allow British forces to be stationed in his territory if needed.

1876

Further negotiations with the Khan of Kalat led to another agreement in Jacobabad, where Britain leased control of Quetta and surrounding areas, as well as the Bolan Pass, from the Khanate.

1877

The Balochistan Agency was established with its headquarters in Quetta.

1877

Robert Sandeman was appointed as the first Agent to the Governor-General (AGG) and head of the Balochistan Agency. He implemented the "carrot and stick" policy in dealing with Baloch tribes.

1878 - British Invasion of Afghanistan

Britain invaded Afghanistan and after a six-month campaign, signed the Treaty of Gandamak with the Afghan ruler in May 1879.

1889 - Sandeman Secures Zhob Valley

Sandeman occupied the Zhob Valley and secured a protected route connecting Quetta to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

1890 - Death of Robert Sandeman

Robert Sandeman died in Bela, the capital of Lasbela State, and was buried there.

1893 - Durand Line Agreement

Sir Mortimer Durand was tasked with negotiating an agreement with Amir Abdur Rahman of Afghanistan to demarcate a permanent border between British India and Afghanistan.

1920 - Rise of Baloch Nationalism

Baloch nationalist awareness began to grow in this decade. The Baloch Youth Movement and Anjuman-e-Ittehad-e-Balochan (also known as the State of Balochistan) were prominent organizations raising awareness among the Baloch people about their political and civil rights.

1929

Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo founded the Pakistan National Party (PNP) despite strong resistance from Baloch youth and his own tribe.

1931

The Anjuman-i-Ittehad-i-Balochan party changed its name to the "Organization for Baloch Unity" and became a political party.

1935

A massive earthquake struck Quetta, and among the casualties was the young and inspiring leader Yusuf Aziz Magsi. After his death, the nationalist movement lost significant momentum.

July 1939

The National Party was banned by the Prime Minister of Kalat, and its activists were ordered to leave the territory immediately. The party then moved its headquarters to Quetta.

August 15, 1947

Britain divided India into two countries, Pakistan and India. The Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, declared independence.

Khan of Kalat joined Pakistan

On March 29, 1948, the Khan of Kalat acceded to Pakistan.

Pakistan acquired Gwadar

In September 1959, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar region from the Sultanate of Oman and incorporated it into Balochistan province in 1977.

Two initial uprisings occurred

In 1970, two initial uprisings took place.

Death of Nawab Akbar Bugti

In August 2006, Nawab Akbar Shahbaz Khan Bugti, a senior Baloch leader, was killed in a clash with security forces. This event led to a wave of insurgent activities over the next seven years.