Take a Moment Away From Politics, And See How Beautiful Balochistan Really Is!

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Absorbed in the current-ness of affairs, we often forget that the names on trending topics are real people in a real place. Once legendary, then forgotten and now suddenly uproared, Balochistan is making headlines again. Sure its past and present have been layered in conflict, but when we start using names of countries so passively, we look over the life and beauty which it still contains.

Before Balochistan was in Pakistan,

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A historical sketch of Bolan Pass, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Or in the middle of political crossfire,

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A poor child tried to get a lift in Quetta. Credits: Din Muhammed

It was land of the proud, strong and valiant Balochi people.

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Sardar Ibrahim khan Sanjrani Iranian Baloch Khans in Qajar era, c. 1884

It cradled farming villages 3,000 years before Indus Valley Civilization.

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This world famous bus of Indus Priest/King Statue was originally found in Dhadhar, Balochistan.

Before the violence of Shia and Sunni burned villages,

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Occupied Balochistan. Credits: Beluchistan

Balochistan was run by tribal laws.

Balochis lived in isolated mountain villages but their culture, tradition and wisdom was rich as any progressive community.

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The pre-historic Qila Saifulla. Credits: Yasir Nasir
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The modern city of Quetta at night. Credits: Beluchistan

And when religion did enter the vast lands, it first bowed down to the laws of nature.

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The magical terrain of Balochistan. Credits: Michael Foley
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An abandoned Boston Railway Station. Credits: Yasir Baloch

Nature has bestowed Balochistan with such beauty that it almost seems unfair.

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Hingol River. Credits: Beluchistan
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An aerial view of Reko Diq. Credits: Mobeen Mazhar

From a naturally formed Sphinx to the Princess of Hope,

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Credits: Beluchistan

From peaks of Sulaiman Mountains to the shores of Arabian Sea,

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Chabahar, Baluchistan. Credits: Beluchistan
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Astola Island in Balochistan.

From massive gold reserves to Pakistan's source of natural gas.

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The Bolan Pass has been extremely essential to Balochistan's economy for centuries. Danial Shah

Balochistan is also home to some ancient Hindu temples which are still run by Hindu priests.

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The temple of Hinglaj Mata inside Hingol National Park.

Because Balochistan has been breathing long before any lines were drawn on lands and hearts.

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Men of the community enjoy evening tea at Sabzi Bazaar. Credits: Danial Shah

So maybe, when you see or hear Balochistan on news next time,

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Carpet making and trading is an art Balochi people are masters of. Credits: Danial Shah

You might run these images in your mind instead. Reminding that the country making headlines is more than just a hot-topic, its the pulse of civilization as we know it. A land of people as old as time itself.

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Children playing in a remote village. Credits Hunzukutz Khan