The renowned Russian writer Petr Kropotkin's booklet, “An Appeal to the Young”, serves as a significant guide for youth transitioning into practical life after completing their formal education. In this booklet, Kropotkin tells a poignant story about a craftsman who, after struggling to find work for several days, faces the dire consequence of his children going hungry for four days. Frustrated and desperate, he steals two kilograms of flour from a shop. Despite his pleas that his actions stemmed from his inability to provide for his family, the shopkeeper files a complaint, and the craftsman is sentenced to six months in prison.

This narrative echoes a theme found in the Bollywood film “Pareeksha”, where a poor rickshaw puller takes his son out of a government school to enroll him in an expensive private institution. Overwhelmed by the costs of tuition and related expenses, the rickshaw puller is ultimately driven to steal, mirroring the fate of Kropotkin's craftsman.

The aim of referencing Kropotkin's book and the aforementioned Bollywood film is to highlight the importance of understanding societal breakdowns. Rather than hastily analysing such situations and reaching incorrect conclusions, we should take a moment to reflect on the underlying reasons for these issues. In this regard, the turmoil currently engulfing Balochistan has a deeply troubled history that sheds light on the factors contributing to its present circumstances.

Historically, following the formation of Pakistan in 1947, the regions of Bengal, Sindh, Punjab, and the NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) became part of the newly established country during that same year. However, the Kalat State declared itself an independent homeland, initially receiving support from Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Soon after, though, Jinnah urged the then Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, to accede to Pakistan. A resolution to this effect was presented in both houses of the Kalat Assembly, yet a majority of the members voted against it. Despite this opposition, Balochistan was incorporated into Pakistan in March 1948, prompting the first Baloch rebellion in the country's history, led by Prince Abdul Karim, the Khan of Kalat's brother.

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During General Ayub Khan's regime, another rebellion arose,........

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