Inside Balochistan is an autobiography of the former ruler of Kalat state, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Baloch. It is an important historical document which must be studied by all policy makers in order to ascertain what went wrong and where in the state of Balochistan.

Kalat State was the third largest state before the partition of the subcontinent. The Kalat dynasty ruled this area for almost three centuries.

The author claims that he introduced many revolutionary steps for the good of the people and depicts the immense love he had for the land and people of Balochistan.

This book is not only the autobiography of the scion of a dynasty that ruled this area, but it also sheds light on the geographical details as well as the flora and fauna of the entire area.

'Geographically Balochistan holds an important position on the map of Asia. It is this geographical position that has made the inhabitants lead a strenuous life, for they had to face powerful enemies, more often in defensive wars.

It is on record that the Balochs were at war one time or another of their history with the Shah of Iran, Afghanistan, the Sikhs of Punjab, and the rulers of Sindh and the British, says Ahmad Yar Khan.

The Khan of Kalat shares with readers the steps taken by him to improve the lot of his people. 'To relate some of the reforms, I may mention that mal-administration and corruption in body politic were rooted out.

For the first time in the history of Balochistan, the people were given representation in the affairs of national interest by the establishment of two houses of legislature — Darul Awam and Darul Umra — with a total membership of 87.
The department of justice was re-organised in the light of Islamic Shariah. Several of the heavy taxes were abolished; and the practice of the befaar system (labour without payment) was also done away with.' This is how the Khan describes his style of governance.

He also states proudly that Kalat was the first state which entered into an agreement with Pakistan. However, later, the civil and military establishment dashed all the hopes of the Balochis and time and again they were dictated by the barrel of the gun.

Still, the author fondly remembers August 4, 1947 when Kalat signed an agreement with Pakistan.

Once again it would be better to hear the actual story from the Khan himself. 'I remember that auspicious day which eventually became fateful , when on August 4, 1947 a treaty of “Stand Still Agreement” concluded between Kalat and Pakistan, was signed by myself, the Quaid-i-Azam and the British viceroy, Lord Mountbatten. On the strength of this fateful agreement, power was transferred from the British to Pakistan; and Pakistan got all the Baloch areas', he recalls.

After the death of the Quaid, the people of Balochistan were manipulated by the rulers. The Khan of Kalat was imprisoned in 1958 and henceforth started the harassment of the Balochi people. Naturally, their anger, which has been building up over all years, has now erupted.

This book was first published in 1975 and its recent imprint is very timely. All those who want to know why Balochistan is in turmoil today must read this book.

Inside Balochistan A political autobiography of Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Baloch Royal Book Company, Karachi

352pp. Rs695