Balochistan is the largest province of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in area which is also the richest province in terms of natural resources. But unfortunately, the people of Balochistan are the poorest and the most backward as compare to other parts of the country. There are many reasons for their retardation like the lack of education, slowness in development, ignorance by the authorities, typical tribal system and the everlasting abnormal situation.
But all this has never stopped the Baloch people to continue their lives with their unique traditions and customs. Although the modernization has put some effects upon the centuries old culture of the Baloch people, however, the colors of their culture is much reflected from their day to day affairs even, today. This might not be wrong to say that the most prestigious thing near to Balochs is their culture. Obviously, like many other ancient cultures of the world, where the traditional dresses have much significance, the enlightening feature of the Baloch culture is also their cultural dress. The cultural dresses of Balochistan are called as “phashik” in the Balochi language.
A group of Balochi folk dancers ( Image : mana008 )
The Balochi males who normally belong to the major ethnic communities, Baloch, Pashtoon and Brahvi, all of them wear similar clothes with little divergence. Turban is considered as an integral part of the male dress and they use loose trousers ( Shalwar ) with knee long shirts in their dress. The Baloch woman wears a dress embellished with heavy sleeves and borders. Another prominent part of the woman’s dress is the trio shaped pocket with lots of embroidery. The cultural dresses of Balochistan are prepared with glass and several colored threads. This is not really easy to make such phenomenal dress as it requires lots of hard work and designing.
We have added some of the eye catching images of the fabulous Baloch people in their traditional wears for your interest ;
1- A Model in the Balochi male dress
A Model in the Balochi male dress ( Image : Jaan AlBalushi )
2- A Balochi girl in the typical cultural dress
A Balochi girl in the typical cultural dress ( Image : Nai Baat Pakistan )
3- A Baloch Folk Singer in the cultural dress
A Baloch Folk Singer in the cultural dress ( Image: Engineer J )
4- A beautiful girl in Baloch dress
A beautiful girl in Baloch dress ( Image: Tahir Kayani )
