Why Did Balochistan Choose August 11 As Its Independence Day?

Balochistan is a very large area located in southwestern South Asia. This area borders Iran and Afghanistan. Currently, it is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of geographical area and accounts for approximately 44% of the territory of the whole state. However, only about 6% of Pakistan's population lives there. The area has tremendous natural resources such as minerals, gas, and coastline. At the same time, the people living there suffer from abject poverty. This situation generates an enormous conflict between locals and the authorities of Pakistan.

History of Balochistan's Independence

The history of Baloch independence dates back even before 1947, when it was under the rule of the Khanate of Kalat. In 1876, Kalat concluded a unique treaty with the British Crown.

In contrast to other Indian States, Kalat was officially considered an independent state under British protection.

With the departure of the British from South Asia in 1947, all treaties expired. On August 4, 1947, the draft of the Standstill Agreement was drawn up by British officials, Pakistan, and Kalat. Pakistan recognised Kalat as an independent state.

Kalat declared its complete independence on August 11, 1947, established its own Parliament and conducted free elections. Both houses of the Parliament of Kalat rejected joining Pakistan.

However, this independence lasted only a short period of time. On March 27, 1948, the Pakistani troops occupied Kalat, and the ruler signed the accession agreement.

Why Did Balochistan Choose August 11 As Its Independence Day?

Prior to 1947, Balochistan was not one of the normal provinces of British India. Most of it had been ruled by the Khanate of Kalat.

As per an 1876 agreement, Kalat was an independent ally of Britain. With the decision of the British to leave South Asia, discussions commenced.

On August 4, 1947, a Standstill Agreement was written up in Delhi, which was signed by Lord Mountbatten, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan. After that, on August 11, 1947, Kalat declared itself independent.

Key Events and Timeline

The period of independence lasted approximately 227 days (almost 7 months). On December 16, 1947, the Parliament of Kalat decided to refuse to become a part of Pakistan.

However, on March 27, 1948, Pakistani troops invaded Kalat. The Khan of Kalat had to sign the treaty of accession to Pakistan. For this reason, Baloch nationalists prefer August 11 to August 14.

• Treaties: Kalat had a direct treaty relationship with the British Crown, rather than with British India.
• Democracy: Both houses of parliament in Kalat refused to merge with Pakistan.
• Symbolic Meaning: Choosing August 11 symbolises resistance to the invasion of 1948.

The tradition of August 11 is based on previous treaties that existed before the partition. The period of brief freedom became an important experience in the political identity of the region.

Despite many years that have passed, the date still possesses incredible emotional value. The local elites employ it in order to remind the people of their sovereignty.

Whereas Pakistan celebrates its liberation on August 14, Baloch nationalists prefer August 11 in order to commemorate their brief independent state.