Complete Guide to Baluchistan: Baluchi Cultural Orientation, Balochistan, Southwestern Province of Pakistan, Strategic Importance, Nationalism and Separatist Struggle, Baruchi and Brahui, Gwadar

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this important publication presents several vital government documents and reports about Baluchistan, the southwest province of Pakistan. There is full coverage of Baluchi cultural orientation, the strategic importance of the area, and updates on separatist struggles and terrorism concerns.

Balochistan is taking on increased importance in regional affairs. With the discovery of vast fields of natural gas, along with other valuable minerals, the region is experiencing increased interest from foreign investors and developers. Along with this, the terrain of Balochistan makes it a prime location for the development of roads, railroads and pipelines to connect the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. To augment this development, the construction of a deep-water port at Gwadar has the potential of bringing globalization to the region in an exponential manner. In the face of this development and growth are the Baloch whose continued insurgencies have created an unstable environment. Although deterring large-scale growth, interest in the region continues to grow, and with it, the threat of international politics and agendas colliding in a violent manner as Balochistan grows. As such, the strategic importance of Balochistan lies in its potential to either take the forefront in development in South Asia, or be the epicenter of the next large-scale multinational conflict.

Contents of the Baluchi Cultural Orientation guide: Chapter 1: Profile * Introduction * Area * Climate * Topography * Bodies of Water * Helmand River * Arabian Sea * Cities * Lashkar Gah (Afghanistan) * Zaranj (Afghanistan) * Quetta (Pakistan) * Zahedan (Iran) * History * Early History * British India and Its Aftermath * Recent History * Government * Media * Economy * Language and Ethnic Groups * Chapter 1 Assessment * Chapter 2: Religion * Introduction * Role of Religion in Government * Pakistan * Iran * Afghanistan * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Conventions and Gender Roles * Religious Events and Holidays * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * Chapter 2 Assessment * Chapter 3: Traditions * Introduction * Honors and Values * Codes of Politeness * Male/Female Interaction * Hospitality and Gifts * Eating Habits and Types of Food * Dress Codes * Men's Dress * Women's Dress * Non-Religious Holidays * Sibi Mela * Baloch Culture Day * Dos and Don'ts * Chapter 3 Assessment * Chapter 4: Urban Life * Introduction * Urbanization Issues * Water * Sanitation and Waste Disposal * Air and Water Pollution * Societal and Cultural Problems * Work Problems in Urban Areas * Health Issues * Education * Market Place and Street Vendors * Bazaars * Money, Credit Cards, and ATMs * Transportation * Cars * Buses * Taxis * Auto-Rickshaws and Two-Wheeled Horse-Drawn Tongas * Trains * Planes * Crime * Pakistan * Afghanistan * Iran * Chapter 4 Assessment * Chapter 5: Rural Life * Introduction * Tribal Distribution * Land Distribution and Ownership * Rural Economy * Gender Roles and the Division of Labor * Agriculture * Smuggling * Rural Transportation Issues * Health * Schools and Education in Rural Areas * Village Life * Nomadism * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Land Mines * Chapter 5 Assessment * Chapter 6: Family Life * Introduction * Typical Household and Family Structure * Male and Female Interactions Within the Family * Status of Elders, Adolescents, and Children * Married Life, Divorce, and Birth * Family Social Events * Wedding * Funerary Rites * Naming Conventions * Chapter 6 Assessment * Final Assessment * Further Reading