(EDITORIAL) The situation in the Kalat state continues to give rise to disturbing rumours… . Some two months ago, the Khan of Kalat’s brother, Abdul Karim Jan, crossed over to Shorawak in Afghan territory together with a number of people and considerable quantities of arms, ammunition and foodgrains. This young prince had been notorious for his wayward and rebellious disposition and he never reconciled himself to his brother’s accession to Pakistan. … About a fortnight ago, the Khan sent an uncle to Shorawak to persuade his brother to return and surrender to Authority … . The errand does not appear to have succeeded, and according to … reports, Abdul Karim has returned to Kalat territory but with a very different purpose.

It is of course fantastic for him to think of carrying on “guerrilla warfare” against Pakistan from the hills of his native land, but he can certainly make himself a nuisance. … [T]he Kalat state continues to be the happy hunting ground of anti-Pakistan elements… . … Indeed many Kalat Government servants are also members of the National Party, which is a circumstance without parallel in any other part of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2023