How did Balochi speakers come to live in eastern Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan?

The presence of Balochi speakers in eastern Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan is primarily attributed to historical migrations that occurred during the Middle Ages.1

While the original homeland of the Baloch people was likely located on the Iranian plateau, the most widely accepted theory suggests that their current eastern distribution resulted from migrations originating from the region of the Caspian Sea. These movements were further stimulated in the 11th century CE by the Seljuq invasion of Kermān, which led to the suppression of Baloch tribes and encouraged their eastward expansion.12

Today, Balochi—a West Iranian language—is spoken by millions across these regions, with significant populations residing in the Balochistān province of Pakistan, southeastern Iran, and southwestern Afghanistan.13