Baluchistan States Union facts for kids

The Baluchistan States Union was a special group of states that existed in what is now southwest Pakistan. It was formed on 3 October 1952 and lasted until 14 October 1955.

It was made up of four states: Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran. The main city, or capital, of this Union was Kalat.

The area of the Union covered about the western half of the modern Balochistan province. It was different from another area called the Chief Commissioners Province of Baluchistan, which was to the northeast. Also, a small area called Gwadar City was not part of the Union because it belonged to the Sultanate of Oman at that time.

Even though the states joined together, their rulers still kept their positions. However, some important decisions were made by a group called the Council of Rulers.

What Was the Baluchistan States Union?

The Baluchistan States Union was like a small country made up of several smaller states. These states decided to work together. They formed a union to manage certain things as one group. This happened after Pakistan became an independent country.

Why Was the Union Formed?

The states in the region had been ruled by their own leaders for a long time. After Pakistan was created, these states decided to join Pakistan. To help them work together, they formed this Union. It was a way for them to keep some control while being part of the new country.

Where Was It Located?

The Union was located in the southwestern part of modern-day Pakistan. This area is now known as the province of Balochistan. It was a large area, but it did not include all of Balochistan. Some parts were governed differently.

States in the Union

The four states that formed the Union were:

• Kalat: This was the largest state and its capital city was also called Kalat.
• Kharan: A smaller state to the west of Kalat.
• Las Bela: Located closer to the coast.
• Makran: A coastal state in the southwest.

How Was It Governed?

Even though the states joined the Union, their traditional rulers, often called "princes" or "khans," still had power. They continued to lead their own states. However, for matters that affected all the states, a new group was created.

The Council of Rulers

This group was called the Council of Rulers. It was made up of the leaders from each of the four states. They would meet and make decisions together on important issues. This helped the Union act as one unit.

When Did the Union End?

The Baluchistan States Union did not last for a very long time. It was formed in 1952 and ended just three years later, on 14 October 1955.

Why Did It End?

The Union ended because of a big change in Pakistan's government structure. The country decided to combine all its provinces and states into a single unit called "One Unit." This meant that the Baluchistan States Union, along with other provinces and states, became part of a larger administrative area. This change aimed to simplify how the country was governed.