Balochistan's Lost Chance: How Nehru's 'No' Changed History

• Before merging with Pakistan, the Princely State of Kalat (Balochistan) was an independent nation for 227 days after India's independence.
• Initially, Muhammad Ali Jinnah did not favor Balochistan's merger with Pakistan, considering it a burden.
• Baloch leaders, attracted to India's democratic structure, approached Jawaharlal Nehru for a merger with India, not wanting to join Pakistan based on religion.
• Nehru rejected the merger proposal, citing Balochistan's lack of direct geographical connection to India and fearing war with Pakistan.
• Pakistan forcibly annexed Balochistan in March 1948, compelling the Khan of Kalat to sign merger documents under duress.

Why It Matters: Nehru's decision to reject Balochistan's merger request altered its destiny, leading to its forced annexation by Pakistan.