The National Flag of Baluchistan
The national flag of Baluchistan (Balochistan), commonly known as the national flag or the Baluch flag, stands as an ensign for freedom, peace, and justice and is widely regarded as a unifying symbol for the Baloch people.
History
The Baluch flag dates back to the 1960s and the patriotic movement referred to as the Baluch United Movement (Baluchi: بلوچ یکجھدی), which sought to establish a unified political and legal entity to represent the Baluch nation and their land.
The movement emerged in response to the injustices inflicted upon the Baluch people following the formation of Pakistan and the subsequent occupation of Baluchistan in 1948, leading to subjugation and denial of their fundamental rights, which were further exacerbated in the late 1950s with the arrest of the Khan of Kalat, the imprisonment of Nawab Nauroz Khan, and the extrajudicial execution of his courageous sons and supporters, marking the beginning of a period of brutal suppression by the Pakistani army against the Baluch people in an effort to crush their aspirations for independence.
In a historic declaration of independence for all Baluch states in 1961, Baluch leaders and revolutionaries proudly embraced and hoisted the Baluch flag on March 16, 1962, as the national flag of Baluchistan. Subsequently, the establishment of the 'Baluch Government in Exile' was announced under the same flag in 1965 and reaffirmed in 1980 by the Baluch leaders.
Symbolism
The national flag of Baluchistan carries profound symbolic meaning. The color red, prominently embedded within the fabric of the flag, has a rich historical and cultural legacy derived from the legendary red flag, referred to as the "Chakari banner," a 15th-century military emblem, as depicted in Figure 2.
This symbolic red hue, synonymous with resilience, fortitude, and bravery, has been reverently consecrated through countless sacrifices for independence throughout history.
Positioned above the red is the green color that stands for independence, a steadfast commitment to uphold the values of freedom and safeguard national sovereignty, a homage to the former flag of the state of Kalat (view the Fig. 3).
The cyan (light blue) triangle, positioned on the pole side of the flag, represents the vast marine, the celestial frontiers, and the wealth of natural resources within the borders of Baluchistan.
At the center of the triangle, a white five-pointed star represents the core values: Justice, peace, freedom, equality, and unity.
Technical description
The national flag of Baluchistan is rectangular, with a length that is precisely twice its width, resulting in an aspect ratio of 1:2, as illustrated in Figure 4.
The flag is composed of two horizontal bands, red and green, with a cyan (light blue) triangle positioned on the hoist side with its base aligned to the flagpole, which does not extend the midsection of the flag. In the center of the triangle is a five-pointed star.
The National Colors - Red, Green, Cyan, and White
The color red is both symbolic and historic and carries a significant historical legacy, originating from Mir Chakar Khan's army banner synonymous with courage and bravery, which has been reverently consecrated through the sacrifices of all patriots throughout history.
The color green stands for independence and a steadfast commitment to uphold the values of freedom and safeguard national sovereignty.
The color cyan (triangle), represent the vast marine and celestial frontiers, the abundant natural resources, and the rich, diverse landscape of Baluchistan.
Star: Represents heroism and honor, paying homage to those fought for justice and liberation.