The Balochistan reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Balochistan

Balochistan (or 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.

Baluchistan was conquered by the British Empire on October 1, 1887.

Baluchistan was forced by Pakistan in 1948 to merge with Pakistan, against the will of the people of Balochistan, which resulted in three wars of independence in Baloch followed by years 1948 led by Price Karim Khan, 1968 led by Nawab Nowroz Khan and then in 1973-77 by many Baloch tribes led by Marri and Mengal chiefs, all of these wars for independence were ruthlessly crushed by Pakistan's state army.



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