By Anand Kumar,
The land of the Balochs and one of the 4 provinces of our neighbouring Pakistan has often remained an integral aspect of coffee table conversations or a hot subject inside the political circles. The land that comprises 44% of the total land mass of Pakistan regardless of wealthy organic sources remains underdeveloped and continues to struggle to safeguard its cultural fabrics from the dominant groups who continue to clean the tiny vibrancy remaining in the nation. Balochis have a wealthy history that dates back to the 11th century that faded from memories as occasions passed. Throughout its struggle for independence, the land has under no circumstances received its extended due consideration. And now in an try to highlight struggles of Balochis in their personal land, Azad Singh Rathore’s new book “Balochistan: The Heights of Oppression” is a easy but completely weaved narration that familiarizes a reader with Balochistan.
Balochis share critical and close cultural and religious ties with Indian subcontinent. In this book, Azad not only provides readers an account of Pakistan’s oppression even though uncovering its inhumane face but also briefly paints Baloch history, geography and their valid demands on the canvas. He also briefly puts how Pakistani government, its political leaders, such as army and agencies are not only betraying and oppressing Baloch folks but also betraying humanity.
Azad, by means of his book, explains to a reader that following annexing Balochistan, Pakistan has followed a sustained campaign of social, financial and cultural exploitation. A deep dive into the region’s history, the book introduces a reader to the Greater Balochistan area that was remotely situated far away from the Kingdom of Persia in the west and equally at a distance from Indian princely states in the east. Balochistan- a aspect of Greater Balochistan- is now a disputed remote territory, illegally annexed by Pakistan, lies among Sindh province of Pakistan and the western international border of Iran. The entire area was populated most heavily by ethnic Baloch folks and even though going by means of the book, a reader can really feel an unreal connection with the area and the folks.
The heights of discrimination are such that Balochistan, regardless of obtaining numerous organic sources such as huge reserves of organic gas, gold, copper and iron receives nearly no royalties from the Pakistani government. Capturing the true face of Pakistan’s military may, Azad elaborates how the nation is suppressing their freedom movement. Balochistan is a living instance of how an independent civilization in a contemporary world is suffering from all sorts of oppression and tyranny exactly where the true owners are even deprived of standard amenities. This book finely exposes manipulated narratives, uncovers half-truths and voices in assistance of human rights in a area which Pakistan choses to contact an “economic liability” but is truly a saviour of its economy.
Azad in his writing describes the history, culture, and Baloch people’s suffering from the last seven decades of discomfort, atrocity and oppressions that Pakistan has offered them to suppress their voice. The book is the author’s efforts to express sensitivity towards Baloch folks living in traumatic situations beneath suppression and oppressions of Pakistan. Nothing a great deal has been told about Balochistan so far and the land nonetheless remains an untold tale. A world that is so close to to India, but remains mysteriously hidden from view. A effectively-researched and effectively-curated book, Azad’s work touches on numerous elements of the land such as its history, economy, socio-political difficulties, its folks and almost everything that we do not know about Balochistan.
(The author is Founder of Super 30. Views expressed are private and do not reflect the official position or policy of the TheSpuzz Online.