THE recent loss of the website of Balochistan Archives (www.balochistanarchives.gob.pk), which contained valuable historical documents and materials related to the history, culture and politics of Balochistan, is alarming.

The Balochistan Archives held over 27,000 original files, 5,000 rare books and manuscripts, and 300 rare maps pertaining to Balochistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Persian Gulf. These collections provided invaluable insights into the policies and practices of tribal management and frontier governance on the northwest frontier of India, as well as the conduct of British relations with neighbouring countries and the drawing of regional boundaries.

Unfortunately, the website for Balochistan Archives, which also had a searchable catalogue of holdings, finding aids, and a digital collection of select materials, is currently down and inaccessible. This is a significant loss for scholars, civil servants and citizens interested in the history and heritage of the region.

The website was a vital resource for researchers and scholars interested in understanding the social, political and cultural dynamics of Balochistan and its neighbouring regions. The records shed light on the British colonial era, the struggle for independence and nation-building in Pakistan, and the region’s contemporary challenges.

One of the unique features of the Balochistan Archives was its extensive collection of genealogies, which traced the lineage and history of tribal groups and families in the region.

These genealogies were a great source of information for researchers in the country who are interested in areas like social organisation, political structure and cultural practices of Baloch society.

The archives also contained rare maps, including the Goldsmid Line (1872), the Durand Line (1893), and the Baloch-Afghan Boundary (1896), which were instrumental in defining the political boundaries of the region. These maps provided information about the colonial-era policies of frontier governance, the tribal dynamics of the region, and the power struggles between the British and the local rulers.

The loss of the Balochistan Archives’ website is a significant setback for those interested in the history and heritage of the province. The government, both at federal and provincial tiers, should take immediate steps to restore the website and ensure that the collections remain accessible to all.

The preservation and promotion of historical documents and cultural heritage are essential for building a strong sense of identity, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The loss of the Balochistan Archives’ website should be seen as a wake-up call for the government, which should take proactive measures to preserve and promote the region’s cultural heritage.

Rashid Talani
Jacobabad

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2023