[2] The territories of the agency covered an area of 347,064 km2 (134,002 sq mi)[1] and included areas which had been acquired by lease or otherwise brought under direct British control, as well as the princely states.

This political agency was established in 1877, following the 1876 treaty signed in Mastung by Baloch leaders by means of which they accepted the mediation of the British authorities in their disputes.

[3] Colonel Sir Robert Groves Sandeman introduced an innovative system of tribal pacification in Balochistan that was in effect from 1877 to 1947.

Historians have long debated its scope and effectiveness in the peaceful spread of Imperial influence.

[3] In addition to the princely states, the north of the agency was administered as the Chief Commissioner's Province.