Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan as far as its size is concerned but is mostly barren and scarce, as far as population is concerned. Nevertheless, it is an important province of the country and its people are an integral part of Pakistan’s culture as well as society. According to facts and statistics provided on www.balochistan.gov.pk, the population of the province stood at 6.51 million as per the 1998 census and as per estimation, the current population is 8.5 million. This current estimated population forms 5.1% of the national population of Pakistan.

There are three major tribes which constitute the people of Balochistan mainly. These consist of Baloch (Baloch & Brahvi) and Pashtoon. There are various tribes in Balochistan and each tribe is headed by a figure who is referred to as Sardar. The head of a subdivision of a tribe is known as Mir, Takari or Malik.

The Balochi speaking tribes include Rind, Lashar, Marri, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti Domki, Magsi, Kenazai, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani, Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Notazai, Sanjarani, Meerwani, Zahrozai, langove, kenazai and Khidai.

Brahvi speaking tribe include Raisani, Shahwani, Sumulani, Sarparrah, Bangulzai, Mohammad Shahi, Lehri, Bezenjo, Mohammad Hasni, Zehri , Sarparrah, Mengal, Kurd,Sasoli, Satakzai, Lango, Rodeni, Kalmati, Jattak, Yagazehi and Qambarani. Pashtun tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel , Sherani, Luni, Kasi and Achakzai.

Baloch are believed to have come from Arabia or Asia minor and can be divided into two branches; the Brahvi who reside in central Balochistan and are different from the Sulemani and Mekrani.

Hospitality and loyalty are among the chief aspects of Baloch culture. A guest is entertained and honoured among Balochis in a highly appreciable manner. Families which as affluent and are not troubled by financial constraints also slaughter a goat or sheep for their guest. In the same way, people have a distaste for those who return loyalty with disloyalty.

The Balochi people practice and follow the religion of Islam throughout the province. Religion is considered an important factor in the cultural identity of the Baloch and is also a cementing factor as far as their unity is concerned.

As far as the dress code of the Baloch is concerned, the turban for males is arguably the most popular headgear for them. A loose shalwar and knee long shirts are also a popular feature among the Balochi people. As far as women are concerned, their dress code consists mostly of a long shirt with round mirror pieces embroidered in them. A dupatta or chaadar is also used to properly cover and is also famous as a sign of modesty by the Baloch women.

#BalochCultureDay trends on top at Twitter in Pakistan

Live on ARY News at morning show from 9am to 11am with Sanam Baloch. Celebrating #BalochCultureDay pic.twitter.com/4jzfbwASiW

— Naz Baloch (@NazBalochPTI) March 2, 2016

The beautiful Balochi dresses. #BalochCultureDay pic.twitter.com/D5qZjntglm

— ALL Time Bakwas (@AllTimeBakwas) March 2, 2016

Since i m half baloch Happy #BalochCultureDay to Mani balochi guwar braat.
U people are beautiful, brave nd honest..

— Samy (@sameens89) March 2, 2016

Punjabi, Balochi, Sindhi, Pashtoon culture different but we are United for Pakistan and Islam #BalochCultureDay

— Mian Mohammad ZÆB (@MOHAMMAD_ZAIBB) March 2, 2016

It is important to tell our people about our provincial cultures #BalochCultureDay pic.twitter.com/nXw1adBNJ4

— Kausar Naseem (@kausar8966) March 2, 2016

This culture is beautiful with hospitable and loving people #Balochistan was, is and will always be a part of #Pakistan. #BalochCultureDay

— Huma | ہما (@Frying_Nemo) March 2, 2016

Congratulate to our Baloch Brothers on #BalochCultureDay
Our own local culture is our respect and pride.

— Dr.faisal (@faisi_mirza_JI) March 2, 2016

Culture & traditions of the Baloch have historically been passed down from mother to daughter & father to son…. #BalochCultureDay #Pak 🇵🇰

— ★ARSAL MADRIDISTA★✨ (@iArsal11) March 2, 2016

Baluchis are celebrating thr cultural day today #BalochCultureDay pic.twitter.com/6zFFsGHARS

— anam arif (@anamarif70) March 2, 2016

#BalochCultureDay
The message of PEACE is loud and clear pic.twitter.com/Wmoz763sT4

— Fizzah Khan Ghouri (@imfizzahkhan) March 2, 2016

Ceremonies and programs are being held at FC camp to celebrate the Day on March 2. #BalochCultureDay #Balochistan pic.twitter.com/xQTPNqentQ

— Ayesha Khan (@Ashkhanam) March 2, 2016

Happy #BalochCultureDay from all of us @usconsulatekhi. @omar_quraishi @BinaShah @zulfqaralishah pic.twitter.com/zwzHCyVpjO

— US Consulate Karachi (@usconsulatekhi) March 2, 2016