British policy toward the tribal peoples on the northwest frontier vacillates between caution and adventurism during the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Some viceroys oppose extending direct administration or defense beyond the Indus River.

Others favored a more assertive posture, or "forward policy."

The latter's view prevails, partly because Russian advances in Central Asia give their arguments credence.

In 1874 Sir Robert Sandeman had been sent to improve British relations with the Baloch tribes and the khan of Kalat.

In 1876 Sandeman concludes a treaty with the khan that brings his territories—including Kharan, Makran, and Las Bela—under British suzerainty.

The Second Anglo-Afghan War is fought in 1878-80, sparked by the Afghan amir's refusal to accept a British diplomatic mission to Kabal.

When British forces subsequently occupy much of Afghanistan, a treaty (Treaty of Gandamak) is concluded in May 1879, which forces Afghanistan to accept Britain's control of its foreign affairs and to cede to the British various frontier areas, including the districts of Pishin, Sibi, Harnai, and Thai Chotiali.

During succeeding years, other tribal areas are forcibly occupied by the British.

In 1883 the British lease the Bolan Pass, southeast of Quetta, from the khan of Kalat on a permanent basis, and in 1887 some areas of Balochistan are declared British territory.