What is Balochistan like?

With every day we believe, through the media, that we are coming closer to one another. In reality, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. We see only what the media wants us to see.

That being said, along with many realities, there is much more to each city than our eyes can see. Hopes, dreams and aspirations have always been a part of Balochistan, but we haven’t ever really looked to be able to recognise these.

“Balochistan”

When you read this word, what is the first image that pops into your mind? Flashes of violence? Target killing? Poverty, discrimination and illiteracy?

It is not your fault that you think like this, that is all you’ve ever heard or seen on TV.

After reading a blog on The Express Tribune’s blogs page about Karachi, I thought I could take you for a little trip around my homeland, Balochistan, through these pictures.

I hope you find Balochistan to be as beautiful as I do...

We have been destroyed,

Photo: AFP

Yet we have hope.

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

We are old-fashioned,

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

Yet we strive for modernity.

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

We are warriors,

Photo: Scott Eells for The New York Times

Yet we are artists.

Photo: Culture Of Pakistan (http://friendsbook.pk/pages/89/page_4/page_5/)

We have been hurt,

Photo: Reuters

Yet we are positive.

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

We have seen droughts,

Photo: Ehsan Khanmohammadi

Yet we light up.

Photo: ishaq_ali (http://www.panoramio.com/user/3011211)

We have suffered from discrimination,

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

Yet we stand up for the rights of others.

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

We are hunters,

Photo: Internet

Yet we love animals.

Photo: Internet

We have those with no access to education,

Photo: Baloch Ar Man Photography

Yet we are eager to learn.

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

We have seen violence,

Photo: Reuters

Yet we dream of peace.

Photo: Badria Al-Balushi

We have sun sets filled with sadness,

Photo: Qaisar Roonjha

Yet we rise to a beautiful new morning everyday.

Photo: junaidrao (http://www.flickr.com/photos/junaidrao/10023436375/in/photostream/)

I wish I could show you more of my beloved Balochistan but, until then, I hope that I changed your mind about my province just a slight bit.