Some people discuss the history of the nations settled in Balochistan without study, without research, and based purely on personal assumptions, which not only blurs historical facts but also breeds misunderstandings and hatred among different nations.
Recently, I came across a writing by a Yousafzai gentleman in which, referring to his elders, he wrote that his family has been settled in Quetta for the past 110 years. I felt disappointed reading this, because the available memories or documented history of a single family cannot be declared the starting point for the historical presence of an entire nation. It is possible that the formal settlement of that particular family in Quetta is 110 years old, but it is not correct to negate the ancient historical connection of the Yousafzai tribes with Balochistan on this basis.
As far as the original homeland of the Yousafzai tribes is concerned, my researched opinion is that it is incorrect to limit their ancient geographical presence only to modern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or a few areas of Afghanistan. The traces of ancient settlement and migration of the Yousafzai tribes from the mountain ranges of Mastung, Panjpai, and Nushki to the Afghan border and certain areas beyond it must be researched.
Over time, due to wars, tribal conflicts, political situations, economic needs, and other reasons, the Yousafzai tribes migrated to different areas. Today, apart from the Kunar province of Afghanistan, their prominent settlements exist in multiple locations in Pakistan, including Bajaur, Peshawar, Swat, Mansehra, Thakot, Torghar, Battal, Shinkiari, Baffa, Quetta, and Mastung. However, it is necessary to keep the distinction between modern settlement and the original historical homeland in mind during research.
Similarly, the history of Quetta and its surroundings is characterized by the ownership, settlement, and political influence of various Pashtun tribes. The historical presence and ownership of the Kasi tribe in Quetta city and some suburbs cannot be ignored. The claims of historical connection and land ownership of the Bazai tribe up to Nauhisar and its surroundings, extending to Baleli, are also important subjects of research. The ancient and prominent settlement of the Kakar tribe in Kuchlak and the Achakzai tribe in Chaman and adjacent areas is an established social reality.
The history of the Pashtuns claims association with a civilizational journey of thousands of years; however, it is also our responsibility to prove every historical claim, including the determination of five thousand years or any specific era, through authentic references, ancient documents, archaeology, and academic research. My intention is not the negation of any tribe, the humiliation of any nation, or hurting anyone’s feelings, but rather to inform the Pashtun nations about their accurate history, true identity, and comprehensive genealogy.
Sources
- 1. — Zafar Iqbal Khan
