Quetta: Former Secretary General of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Advocate Raheem Baloch, in a statement on social media platform X marking August 11, said that on this day in 1947, the Khan of Kalat declared Balochistan’s full independence and implemented a democratic constitution a sovereignty that was forcibly taken away through annexation by the newly formed state of Pakistan in March 1948.
He stated that the Baloch nation has never forgotten the historic day when, on August 11, 1947, the ruler of Balochistan, the Khan of Kalat, announced complete independence, ending a unilateral colonial treaty imposed by British imperial rule.
According to him, the Khan of Balochistan immediately enacted a new constitution that introduced a parliamentary democracy in the country, held elections and established a parliament. Pakistan’s newly formed government, he said, pressured the Khan of Kalat to agree to accession, but the Balochistan parliament refused. Eventually, in March 1948, Pakistan attacked Balochistan and forcibly incorporated it after failing to secure a peaceful accession.
He added that the Baloch nation rejected Pakistan’s aggressive occupation and launched an armed struggle, led by the Khan of Kalat’s younger brother, Prince Abdul Karim Baloch. Agha Abdul Karim laid the foundation of the independence movement, which continues today and, according to Raheem Baloch, is now stronger than ever.
