Conflicts of all kinds are by their very nature a catastrophic force which deprives people every last shred of human dignity. Such is the case of Balochistan the largest province which has witnessed perennial state of conflict, turmoil and the suffering which goes with it.

Ahmed Salim, a well-known archivist has captured this genesis of the fifth uprising in a rather rational and logical fashion in his book Balochistan, Azadi Say Subai Bai Ikhtairi Tak. The book has attracted a great deal of importance, owing largely to the Baloch question, which by and large has been ignored by the mainstream media and has rarely surfaced in the public discourse.

This book will prove to be nothing less than a treasure trove for researchers, students and the common readers alike. The book does well to answer the question why even after 66 years the Baloch have been unable to assimilate in the federation.

Salim Sahib has provided a commendable discourse by delineating the background of the annexation of Kalat state which is not well known outside Pakistan’s intellectual community. He also discusses, much to the dissonance of many patriots, that areas comprising present Balochistan were never a part of the subcontinent or the British empire and the erstwhile colonial power had signed a separate pact with Kalat and the state dealt directly with London.

The agreement, as Salim Sahib recounts, stipulates that once the British withdraw from Colonial India, Kalat state could resume its independent status. In fact it maintained its independent status until the events of April 1948 when it was forcibly annexed by the government of Pakistan through military means. This use of force transpired into numerous uprisings which continue to date.

The book is based on two broad classifications, the first half focusing on a comprehensive account of the previous insurgent movements, and of course the notorious Hyderabad conspiracy case. In the latter section of the last four sections, Salim Sahib vividly analyses the ongoing political realities, and its implications of the ‘New Great Game’ in the region, which also has affected the province. The work is marked by ingenuity and objectivity, and does not shy away from calling spade a spade.

To highlight this point, Salim Sahib asks to reconsider the prevailing narrative of history, offers a pertinent example relating to the Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s six points. When Mengal presented these in the Supreme Court, the mainstream media reacted with hue and cry, and parallels with the Sheikh Mujeeb’s six points were promptly drawn. Upon reading the comparison one cannot help but conclude that Sardar Mengal’s six points were meant to bring a healing touch and respite to the enduring civil war. His demands could have provided the aggrieved parties time to reflect and ponder, as well as breathing space for the common citizens who have suffered violation of their rights at so many levels. The historic opportunity was squandered by the then government and the military establishment.

Another interesting expostulation discussed by the writer is the Punjab centric character of the state, its institutions, polity and civil society. He firmly contends that these factors have had an important role to play, and people and institutions should negate the impression that a neo-colonial state and its people wish to deprive the Baloch off their resources and rights. Being a seasoned political and human rights activist and observer, Salim Sahib has appealed to the majority province to play its due role in creating an inclusive and pluralistic federation before it is too late.

The second half of the book comprises of historical documents which have been painstakingly collected by the writer and presented in a historical succession. Salim Sahib, a proud owner of the largest archival library in the country and his meticulously kept collection has helped him a lot. This part of the book is especially useful for those people who are interested in research and exploring the Baloch question profoundly.

In conclusion Balochistan, Azadi Say Subai Bai Ikhtairi Tak is a good read, notwithstanding the minor proofing mistakes and one must commend the efforts of the writer who despite his prolonged and critical illness finished the book before his surgery. Now that he is recovering well, he should perhaps update the book, by including the May 2013 elections, which have somewhat transformed the political landscape of the province. Translating the book into English would also give it a global platform especially for those interested in the issue.