Paromita Das
New Delhi: The story of Kalat’s accession to Pakistan remains one of the most complex and contentious episodes in the history of South Asia. The Khanate of Kalat, now part of Balochistan, Pakistan, was one of the princely states that found itself caught in the geopolitical shifts following British India’s partition in 1947. What makes Kalat’s story unique is its initial declaration of independence, the alleged approach to India for accession, and the eventual forced merger with Pakistan in March 1948. The events surrounding this accession remain shrouded in conflicting accounts, political maneuvering, and lingering questions about Balochistan’s alienation within Pakistan today.
The Initial Independence of Kalat
When British India was divided into India and Pakistan in August 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either dominion or remain independent. The Khanate of Kalat was a special case because the British had recognized its sovereignty through a treaty in 1876, making its status distinct from other princely states.
On August 15, 1947, the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, declared independence, citing the British recognition of Kalat’s sovereignty. He believed that Kalat should remain independent like Nepal, Bhutan, or Afghanistan. However, this stance did not sit well with Pakistan’s leadership, particularly Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who sought to integrate the entire region into his newly formed country.
The Alleged Offer to India and the All India Radio Controversy
A major controversy surrounding Kalat’s accession is the claim that the Khan of Kalat approached India for accession but was turned down. This claim was broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) on March 27, 1948, suggesting that the Khan had made a formal request to join India two months prior, but India refused.
This statement was attributed to V.P. Menon, then secretary to the Government of India. The claim was contested by multiple sources, including:
- The British High Commissioner in Pakistan, who suggested that the Khan had been in secret discussions with both India and Afghanistan, possibly using India as leverage in negotiations with Pakistan.
- The Khan of Kalat himself, who outright denied that he had made any such offer. In protest, he sent a telegram to the Governor-General of India, demanding proof of the communication.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Home Minister, who issued a clarification denying that Kalat had ever formally approached India for accession.
Patel’s statement, however, came too late—the damage had already been done. The news broadcast was seen by Pakistan as a pretext to accelerate its takeover of Kalat, fearing that India might claim another territory similar to Hyderabad or Junagadh.
The Pakistani Military Takeover and Forced Accession
As the controversy unfolded, Pakistan wasted no time in taking military action. On March 26, 1948, Pakistani forces marched into key areas of Balochistan, including Pasni, Jiwani, and Turbat. The Khan of Kalat was taken to Karachi under duress, where he was forced to sign the Instrument of Accession on March 27, 1948.
While Pakistani officials claim that Kalat’s accession was voluntary, historical accounts suggest that military coercion played a major role. India, which was preoccupied with the Kashmir conflict and the Hyderabad issue, did not intervene, despite the Khan’s alleged appeals.
The Pakistani military action sparked immediate resistance from Baloch nationalists. The Khan’s brother, Prince Abdul Karim, led an armed rebellion against Pakistan, marking the beginning of decades of insurgency in Balochistan.
Balochistan’s Alienation Within Pakistan
Since the forced accession of Kalat, Balochistan has remained a politically volatile and economically marginalized region. According to historian Tilak Devasher, Balochistan has been alienated in two major ways:
- The Historical Narrative of Balochistan’s Independence
Many Balochs still believe that they were an independent nation that was forcibly integrated into Pakistan. This sentiment fuels nationalist movements, demanding either greater autonomy or outright independence. Prominent Baloch leader Abdul Hayee Baloch once remarked:
“Pakistan came into existence in 1947, but the Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Punjabis have existed for centuries. They have their own cultures and languages.” - Economic Exploitation and Political Discrimination
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by land area but remains the least developed. It has:- The highest infant and maternal mortality rates in Pakistan.
- The highest poverty rate in the country.
- The lowest literacy rate, with educational opportunities severely lacking.
Despite its rich natural resources, including gas, coal, and minerals, Balochistan’s wealth is often exploited by Pakistan’s central government, with little benefit to the local population.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Growing Baloch Resistance
Pakistan’s partnership with China in developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further inflamed Baloch resentment. The massive infrastructure project, which includes the development of Gwadar port, is seen by many Balochs as a means for Pakistan and China to extract resources while sidelining local communities.
Baloch activists argue that jobs and benefits from CPEC projects go to outsiders, particularly Punjabis and Chinese workers, leaving Balochs economically disenfranchised. This has led to an increase in Baloch militant attacks on Chinese workers and Pakistani security forces in the region.
Did India Miss a Strategic Opportunity?
Many Indian strategic analysts believe that India failed to recognize the importance of Kalat’s independence in 1948. Former RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief Vikram Sood and Indian scholar Deepak Basu have argued that:
- India was too preoccupied with Hyderabad and Kashmir to engage in Balochistan’s affairs.
- If India had supported Baloch independence, it could have created a buffer state against Pakistan, weakening its western front.
- India’s inaction allowed Pakistan to consolidate control over Balochistan, paving the way for future conflicts.
While these views remain speculative, it is undeniable that Balochistan’s forced integration into Pakistan created an enduring conflict that continues to this day.
Conclusion: A Forgotten Conflict That Still Echoes Today
The story of Kalat’s accession is more than just a historical event—it is a foundational issue that continues to define Balochistan’s struggle within Pakistan. The forced integration of Kalat, the economic neglect, and the ongoing insurgency in the region all stem from the events of March 1948.
For India, the lost opportunity to support an independent Balochistan remains a subject of debate. Meanwhile, for Pakistan, Balochistan remains a land of unrest, where nationalist aspirations continue to challenge the state’s authority.
As global attention grows on human rights abuses in Balochistan and China’s role in the region, the world may once again turn its eyes to this long-forgotten chapter of South Asian history. Whether Balochistan’s demands for autonomy or independence will ever be realized remains an open question, but what is certain is that the legacy of Kalat’s forced accession still haunts the region today.
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