Kamanchar Baloch’s Photographic Odyssey

Javed Baloch

Gwadar: In the heart of Balochistan, where rugged landscapes meet the vast expanse of the horizon, there lived a man who saw beauty in every crevice, every corner of his beloved land.

His name was Sarwar Baloch, but to the world, he was known as Kamanchar Baloch, a legendary photographer whose lens captured the soul of Balochistan like no other.

On April 16, Balochistan bid farewell to a true son of the soil, as Kamanchar Baloch breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of his people.

His love for Balochistan knew no bounds, transcending the harsh realities of weather and terrain as he ventured into every nook and cranny, camera in hand, to immortalize the essence of his homeland. 

Through his lens, Kamanchar Baloch told the story of Balochistan, its resilience in the face of adversity, its breathtaking landscapes, and its vibrant culture. 

From the arid deserts of Peer Koh in Dera Bugti to the coastal plains of Gwadar engulfed in floods, he was there, bearing witness to the triumphs and tribulations of his people.

But Kamanchar Baloch was more than just a photographer; he was a beacon of hope, a voice for the voiceless.

In times of drought and disaster, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow Baloch activists, using his photographs to shed light on their struggles and amplify their calls for justice.

He used to wear a face mask. “I don’t want to be known by my face or name,” he once said, “but by my work.” And indeed, his work spoke volumes, a testament to his unwavering commitment to capturing the spirit of Balochistan.

Born in 1998, Kamanchar Baloch’s love affair with photography began at an early age. Despite his failing health, he embarked on a photo exhibition tour, determined to fund his own treatment through the sale of his photographs.

As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of grief swept across Balochistan and beyond. On the road from Karachi to Mand, many people lined the chowks to pay their final respects to a man whose photographs had touched their hearts.

Though Kamanchar Baloch may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on through the thousands of photographs he leaves behind, a timeless tribute to the land he loved so dearly, and the people who will forever cherish his memory.

Javed Baloch, hailing from Gwadar, Balochistan, is a student of journalism and the editor of “Gwadar E Tawar,” a prominent Balochi digital media outlet. He Tweets @JavedGwadari.