The Baluchi place of origin is a point of contention, although many Baluchis hold that that their lineage can be traced back 2,000 years to Aleppo, Syria – one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities.[1]  As a nomadic people, Baluchis have resided in modern-day Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan for the last 1,000 years in remote and underdeveloped areas along the Oman Sea.  The culture and language of the Baluchi have been endangered by tensions with state authorities, who often have limited exposure to the traditions of the group.[2]  The Baluchi have been forced to struggle for their livelihoods throughout centuries of discrimination. 

Traditionally, Baluchis are nomadic, and many today still practice subsistence agriculture along with semi-nomadic pastorialism.[3]  The Baluchi live in a tribal society, which is highly segmented and centrally organized under chieftains, or sardars.[4] 

While some Baluchis have moved to cities, many continue to practice subsistence agriculture in rural areas, where women play the lead role in the household.[5]  Baluchis are predominately Sunni Muslim and practice a tribal form of the religion, in which tribal allegiances and familial authority carry much weight.  The Baluchi speak an Indo-Iranian language that is related to Farsi and Pashtu.[6]

Demography

Accurate demographic data is difficult to obtain due to a lack of continuity in census reporting and the effects of discrimination.  Many Baluchis face discrimination and therefore do not necessarily formally label themselves as Baluchi.  Current data, though, suggests that the Baluchi population in Afghanistan is around 637,798.  Larger populations can found in Iran (around 1.3 million) and Pakistan (around 4.9 million).[7]  Because of the relatively small population in Afghanistan, Afghan Baluchis are said to orient themselves towards the larger Baluchi population in Pakistan.[8]

Geographic Distribution

The Baluchi occupy an area known as Baluchistan, a large region covering western Pakistan, southwestern Afghanistan and southeastern Iran.  What is today the transnational Baluchistan region is home to one of the world’s earliest human settlements.  It was inhabited by cave-dwellers and fishermen around 15,000 years ago.[9]

In Afghanistan, Baluchis tend to live in the deserts of the southern province of Helmand – which borders Pakistan – although enclaves can also be found in the northwestern Faryab Province.[10] 

Historic Hardship

Due to the remoteness of residing in a mountainous region, the Baluchi people have lived autonomously for most of their history.  Even today, their isolation limits the extent of government control in their region.

Baluchistan was historically part of Afghanistan, but through a deal between British India and the Afghan monarch in 1893, the province came under British rule.[11]  During this time, Baluchis had widespread autonomy; they were granted sovereignty when Pakistan initially gained independence.[12]  In 1951, however, the Pakistan government arrested the leader of Baluchistan and enforced its rule over the area.[13]

The Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th and early 20th centuries worked to marginalize the Baluchi, as the conflict separated Baluchistan into spheres of influence between the British and Persian empires.[14] 

To contend with a lack of government support over the years, Afghan ethnic minorities have long relied on their traditional social and cultural institutions.  The isolation of the Baluchi people, combined with their relatively low population compared to other groups, have also kept them from playing a significant role in the government.[15] 

Ongoing Hardship

The ethno-nationalist movements occurring in Baluchistan developed during the post-colonial era.[16]  Many of the current problems affecting Baluchistan stem from ambiguities left by the British over border rights between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has long been at the center of others’ battles.[17]  The current conflict in Afghanistan adds to the instability in Baluchistan,[18] as it is currently a site where the Taliban and al-Qaeda can act with impunity.[19]

There is resentment among Baluchis towards Western nations, who were invested in the region in the 1980s during the fight against the Soviet Union, but whose lack of assistance in the years immediately following the Soviet ouster, left the area with internecine fighting that went on to spell widespread poverty and suffering.[20]  The Baluchi are proud of their tribal identity, and hope for independence.  Above all, the people want to be allowed to lead peaceful lives in line with their ancient traditions and customs.[21]

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