Our westward march must continue! By:Tarique Khan Javed President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum Dated 23rd July 2013 Major Expansion of British Empire in 1870s Major Robert Sandeman, then Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Ghazi, went looking for a cool place near his post and discovered a cluster of Green Mountain on the border of Baluchistan. Within these cluster along the river he found a easy way up and reached KHAR, a small town with abundant water and sizeable population supported by small agriculture base besides large animal husbandry. Just above KHAR stood a remarkable landmark of high mountain which was later named FORT MUNRO, after the name of the then Governor General of India. Fort Munro had a natural defense and was considered invincible thus became a desirable base and look- out post over Baluchistan to the west. Contacts with Baluch tribes: Within his jurisdiction Sandeman had come into contact with Mazari, Laghari, Bijrani, Golcharani tribes and developed good working relations. The relationship was based on mutual respect. He made sure to show high respect to tribal laeaders as he knew that they were key to his success. Generally he found tribes quite peaceful and humble people. However he was constantly challenged by more warlike tribes of Marri and Bugti who held a sway to the west just below the heights of Fort Munro. They came and raided settled area under Sandeman’s control frequently and looted and killed many.They also raided plains of Sibi and Magsi which was within Khan of Kalat’s State but the Khan was not strong enough to control feace tribes like Marri and Bugti. Sitting in Fort Munro, Sandeman developed ideas of taking into control first the Marri and Bugti territory and then taking control of Quetta. He convinced the top policy makers in Delhi and London without much cost based on his experience with tribes he already came in contact with. He put forward the idea that these tribes were very poor and could be easily convinced to come under British Rule if their members were given well paid secured jobs and given grants for securing food supplies and other essentials. Evolution of ‘Sandemanian Security System’ He proposed that such large extension of territory may not be that expensive if the Tribes were left alone to manage their villages and ancestral land under their existing SARDARS and WADARAS. While British Government manage few key Towns and the connecting roads. He proposed that in Towns a strong garrison be maintained and Civil Administration be introduced. While the security of connecting roads was the responsibility of Tribe through which the road was passing. Local militia, paid for by British Government, of the respective tribe to guard their patch of road. In case of three violation of agreed terms; Army from Towns to come out and punish the earring tribe. This set of security and administrative arrangement was later called “Sandemanian Security System” and became important tool of “British Forward Policy”. The Great debate: Number of influential officials of the British Empire were of the view that to contain Russian expansion towards India it was prudent to capture as much western territory as possible. However on cost consideration in terms of money and soldiers others opposed this view. Most officials of Punjab and Sindh advised against these proposals of a junior official like Major Sandeman, Commissioner of Derajat. It is remarkable that Sandeman’s arguments won over opposition of such high officials like Commissioner of Sindh and Governor of Punjab. Perhaps hidden desire of the Crown for more territory coincided with economical expansion proposal of Sandeman. William Merewether, then Commissioner of Sindh feared that such a policy will be very costly for Britain and spoil the cordial relationship with the Khan of Qalat. Khan of Qalat in consideration of Rupees 100,000 per annum cooperated with the British. Marri and Bugti who raided weaker tribes within Khanate with impunity, besides raiding British territories from time to time, where supposed to be under Khan of Kalat, however the Khan was unable to control them. The behavior of Marri and Bugti tribes gave moral justification of westward expansion. British Forward policy and its results: British Forward policy followed during period 1866 to 1900 was responsible for adding the entire Balochistan and all mountainous regions of N.W.F.P into Pakistan. Prior to initiation of forward policy the British, Sikh and Mughal authority was limited to low lands only while the western mountains were” no go” area. After getting a nod from high ups in Delhi ignoring old wisdom and and current advise , Sandeman, decided to enter the forbidden western Marri and Bugti territory, in hot pursuit of tribal raiders.He had a force of just 20,000 Scouts but a heavy purse. No serious battle took place between British and Marri and Bugti tribes. Small skirmishes ended in tribes fleeing inwards. So Sandemen kept marching till he reached Quetta and captured the Fort of Khan of Kalat. Interaction with the tribes soon revealed internal weakness of Khanates politics with each tribal leader intriguing against the other and against the Khan of Kalat. To his surprise Sandemen found people within Khans household and Court who were ready to help him achieve his objective of getting a foot hold in the Khanate for a consideration. Thus in 1876 the Treaty of Mustung was signed which gave Queeta valley to the British, as well a permanent Resident in the Court, with authority to advice on all major issues. A Base at Quetta in 1877 and its impact: For the first time British cantonment was thus established at Quetta, initially with only 300 Sikh soldiers and handful of British Officers. Possession of Quetta valley proved to be immense value as it commanded a huge territory from Bolan Pass to Kojak pass, on the important trade route between India and Afghanistan. While Baloch accepted this arrangement, as decreed by their Sardars, the independent minded Pathans of area did not accept British presence in their midst. They regularly conducted suicide attacks with swords and simple guns killing Sikh and British soldiers before being killed. Richard Bruce the able assistant of Sandeman mentions in his book British Forward Policy and its results, that such attacks happened almost every month. Pathan resistance and how it was overcome: As a result of 2nd Afghan war, in terms of the Treaty of Gandamak (1879), with defeated Afghan Ruler Yakub Khan, Afghan territories of Sibi, Pishan, Kurram and Kandahar were ceded to the British. However the accepted wisdom of the time was that the ease at which British influence was established in Baloch area due to their obedience to their Sardar may not be possible in the Pathan areas. Sandeman and Bruce therefore advanced in these areas with lot of caution and patients. Kakar, Shinwani, Tareens, Orakzia tribes were known for their fighting skills and courage. The most formidable foe of the British however was Sardar Shahjahan of Zhob, who was said to have super natural powers. He claimed to be the rightful Ruler of the Pathan region based on a decree of Amir of Afghanistan. Sandeman with an overwhelming force first took Lora lai and then moved on Kila Saif Ullah and Zhob. Apart from small encounters no fighting of significance took place and one by one local Chiefs surrendered and offered their close relatives as hostages. When Shahjahan’s fort at Zhob was blown up in front of leading Sardars; they were convinced of military superiority of the British, who already had support of the Baloch. The Pathans agreed to remain peaceful under British rule and till today they have remained so. Sandeman along with his loyal and able assistant Robert Bruce gradually expanded his authority using military force, diplomacy and above all money. He extended proper British rule all over present Northern Baluchistan including Zhob, Sibi, Pishan, Chaman, Qila Abdulla, Gulistan, Bustan and Muslim Bagh. Sandeman’s master stroke won him support from Higher British authorities and Merewether’s concerns were found baseless. In the dyeing days of the empire, addition of such a large territory, made Sandeman stand out among builders of the British Empire. While another set of Administrators inKP thought it was better to leave all mountainous areas outside British Control and contend with limited control. Northern Baluchistan and NWFP are both populated by Pathans and the topography is similar yet two different set of administrators thought so differently leading to such different results. The cost of not absorbing FATA---9/11: The success in Baluchistan was not followed in NWFP mainly on the mindset of the Administrators of Punjab who controlled them. Financial consideration also played a crucial role. As FATA region was not expected to yield a positive return in terms of revenue, the additional expense of extending British rule would have been a great burden on Punjab Government. The argument that these areas were left out due to fierce resistance of the tribes may also be true to some extent who ever based on Baluchistan experience with equally fearsome tribes and a much more hostile topography this may not be the whole truth. The Toba and Kakar range, Suleimanian range are much higher mountain range than the once in FATA. Except for a small portion of South Waziristan and Parachinar area most of FATA area is low lying and easily accessible compared to Northern Baluchistan. Similarly to suggest that Afridis, Waziries or other FATA tribes are better fighters than the Pathans of Northern Baluchistan is also not fair. The Pathans of Northern Baluchistan soon released the benefits of British rule and accepted their rule in their best interest and decided to take economic advantage of a peaceful and orderly country rather than resist and linger poverty and misery. The appeal of people like Shahjahan who advocated rebellion in the name of Islam with a view to continue the indirect rule by Amir of Afghanistan, was lost compared to technologically advanced British system. Which soon provided secure and busy trade routes like Bolan and Kojak Pass, better Roads, Railways, Telephone and Telegraph, hospitals and school and above all well paid and secure government jobs? Practical minded Pathans chose British rule over that of a medieval Afghan overlord who not in foreseeable future could deliver these benefits. The results are for all to see. While Pathans of Baluchistan are wealthy, educated, healthy and happy lot, people of FATA suffer endlessly. It may be said that perhaps 9/11 would not have happened if the British authorities had decided to include all of FATA into NWFP, as was urged by the people of the area and British administrators like Robert Bruce, who was the Political Agent of Waziristan, as his last posting in sub continent. If Bruce’s recommendations were accepted Waziristan which is the largest part (60) of FATA could have been included either in Baluchistan or NWFP. He contended that 56% of the people of the area were property owners and wished that their area be included in Crown area with usual protection of live and property. Bruce contended that a small portion of about 15% people who were property-less and used to banditry wished that their area remain outside the orbit of British rule so that they may continue their activities unhindered. He also mentions that the class of Mullahs sided with both sides from time to time and had no character. He considered them source of constant trouble with no integrity in their stand. He thought that these rouge elements could be ignored and wishes of the majority peaceful people should be accepted. 9/11 and its imperatives: 9/11 may be considered a God sent blessing for Pakistan to expand its territory into FATA and perhaps take the rest of Afghanistan’s Pukhtoon belt into Pakistan continuing the west ward march started by Sandeman. Circumstances have developed whereby either we should secede the entire FATA, Northern Baluchistan and NWFP to Afghanistan or take away the divided Pakhtoon area into Pakistan. A referendum may be held under UN supervision to decide this. While some may fear that Pathans my opt for Afghanistan, based on Northern Baluchistan history and given my understanding of the pragmatic mindset of Pathans I am convinced that they will opt for Pakistan. Even if given a choice they will also not opt for an independent Pakhtoonkhawa. Conclusion and recommendations: 1.It was the unconventional,assetric,reballious behaviour of Major Sandeman that Baluchistan is part of Pakistan otherwise its Northern Pakhtoon belt would have been part of Afghanistan and rest Kalat State. 2. The system of admistration which Sandeman developed and Bruce implimented in Baluchistan could have easily be copied in all of FATA but it was not done. We have paid a heavy price for leaving FATA unattended and closing 4 key Contonmernts of Tank,Wana, Jandola and Ramzak in 1947 as part of deal with Tribal leaders. 3. In 2010 Pakistan army started entring FATA and now 90% area is well within their control. It is recommended that Sandemanian security system be applied their to safe cost and our forces should withdraw to major bases. 4. The westward march started by Sandemen from Fort Munro in 1870s has now reached the current Durrand Line. However for lasting peace in the Region remaining Pakhtoon belt may also be incorporated in Pakistan after an refurundam. 5. After the 3rd Afghan War under a treaty Kandahar was handed over to the British and they remained there for sometime before withdrawing to Chaman. Given the fact that Kandahar is the political capital of Pakhtoon in Afghanistan its reincorpoaration into Pakistan may help bring lasting peace in the Region.It is from Kandahar that all major Pakhtoon Dynasty including Durranis have risen. Mohammadzai tribe has led most of the movements.Incidentally the current Taliban movement also rose from this city. Its occupation under the old treaty is highly recommended. Thereafter incorporation of remaining Pakhtoon territory into Pakistan may be intiated. 6. All Pakhtoon under one flag is very desirable. Pakistan is the obvious choice. They may seek their better future within Pakistan and let the remaining Afghan tribes have Afghanistan. 7.Two thousand history suggests that coexistance of Pakhtoon with non Pakhatoon tribes as equel or in lesser postion as is the case now is impossible. Pakhton who have ruled the Country completely for two thousand years with other tribes as subordinates will never accept a lesser position and civil war will continue for ever. The best course is to separate them completely.All Pakhtoon as part of Pakistan while remaining tribes live in peace in Afghanistan.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 07:23:55 +0000
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