Why Balochistan Isn’t a Country?

Why Balochistan Isn’t a Country?

Balochistan, despite its distinct ethnic identity, language, and historical claims to nationhood, is not recognized as an independent country today. The reasons for this are rooted in a complex history of colonial intervention, regional geopolitics, and the legal-political frameworks established in the 20th century. The Baloch people, like the Kurds, have a well-defined homeland, their own language, and strong cultural traditions, making them a nation by many definitions. However, their territory was divided by colonial powers in the 19th century. The Goldsmith Line, drawn by the British, split Balochistan between Iran (the western half) and what would later become Pakistan (the eastern half). This division left the Baloch without a unified state, subjecting them to the authority of larger, neighboring countries. At the time of the British withdrawal from South Asia in 1947, Balochistan was composed of four princely states: Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran. These states were given the option to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. While three chose to merge with Pakistan under the influence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Khan of Kalat initially declared independence. Today, Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan by land area, but it remains legally and constitutionally part of Pakistan.The Pakistani government maintains that Balochistan's integration was legitimate and that the province enjoys political autonomy, especially after constitutional reforms like the 18th Amendment, which granted greater political and economic powers to local authorities. Despite this, there have been periodic insurgencies and ongoing demands for greater autonomy or independence, fueled by grievances over resource exploitation and political marginalization.