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Although
the largest (2.18,400 sq. ms.), but the most sparselve. Baluchistan
is a land of contrast: of lofty mountains and vast, barren wastes and lush
green valleys; of sunny beaches and juniper-clad forests; of extreme
temperatures. The rainfall averages from 3 to 14 inches. It has rich cultural
past and a chequered history. It has 400 tribes, sub-tribes and clans with
chunks of Pushtoon, Hazara, Makran, Punjabi and Sindhi settlers. It has three
main language groups: Baluchi, Pushto and Brauhvi. Urdu is widely understood.
Its 832 km-boundary with Iran
makes it the western-most part or South Asia.
It touches the other three provinces of Pakistan
and has a common border of 1,160 km. with Afghanistan
and 560 km of coast commanding 1,440 km. of Arabian Sea;
it guards the Gulf. Its geographical situation makes it a strategic area. It
is mineral-rich; has the largest natural gas field (Sui) and has potential of
producing copper and gold and other ores. Its valleys produce finest
qualities of fruit. The province stands on the threshold of a big leap
forward in every field.
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