District Sibi (Hotspot of Pakistan)
Introduction
Geographical Location
Background & History
Agriculture & Industry
Historical Places & Tourism
Sibi Mela
Cuisines
Conclusion
My Point of View
3. Presentation
Main Points
Introduction
Geographical Location
Background & History
Agriculture & Industry
Historical Places & Tourism
Sibi Mela
Cuisines
Conclusion
My Point of View
4. Introduction
Sibi is located at the bank of the River Bolan in the Balochistan province, Pakistan. The district is well-known
for its natural geographic beauty and mountain ranges such as Bambore, Dungan, and Zen. The area is
renowned for its climate and is widely referred to as the hot spot where temperatures may exceed 52.6 °C
(126.7 °F) in summers.
The town is connected via the Bolan Pass to Quetta. The city is notable for its annual cultural exhibition, the
Sibi Mela, which is the country’s second-largest festival and has been held regularly since 1885.
Sibi, like other districts in Balochistan, is getting special focus for the upcoming economic opportunities as a
result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
5. Geographical Location on Map
Geographical Location: Sibi is located in the Balochistan Province
of Pakistan which is present in South Asia.
Geographical Coordinates: 29° 33' 0" North, 67° 53' 0" East.
Sibi District is bounded by Mountainous Districts of Ziarat in North,
Loralai in North-East, Kohlu in East, Bolan in South and South-West
and includes a little border with Mastung district in North-west
through Dasht tehsil of Mastung.
Sibi is adjacent to the River Nari that flows from the north adjacently
to the East of the city. Delimited by the villages of Luni, GuluShahar,
Kurak, Marghazani, Safi, Dehpal and Bakhra . Sibi also have a small
airport set within the locality in North-West of the city.
6. The origin of the district's name is attributed to Rani Sewi, a Hindu lady
of the Sewa Dynasty who ruled Balochistan before the 7th century.
Origin
7. Background & History
Sewa Dynasty
Sewa Dynasty ruled this region before the 7th century. During their reign, this town was called Savi, named after a Hindu
princess of the Sewa Dynasty. Until the end of the 15th century, the district had been part of the Ghaznavid Empire governed by
a chief called Nasiruddin Kubacha.
Arghun Dynasty
It was taken from the Samma Dynasty of the Sultan of Sindh by Shah Beg of the Arghun Dynasty about 1500 and thus came
under Kandahar’s rule. However, the region was controlled by Multan during the time of Mughal rule.
British Rule
The British signed the treaty with Khan of Kalat in late 19th century were under the Sibi, Shalkot and Chagai territory leased out
to British India.
The District of Sibi was established in 1903 during British Rule its area was larger than the current district. The British later set
out plans for railroads. The town became a significant junction on the Sindh Peshin railway under British rule, where the Harnai
line and the Quetta loop line cross. Sibi is frequently for a stopover during the journey from Sukkur to Quetta as a stopover.
In ancient times, this city has been used as a passage by the Afghans and Iranians to enter the subcontinent. This city is also
used to go to Afghanistan under British rule. In 1903, the town became a district, that is why Sibi is the oldest district of
Balochistan. The majority of the people in this region belong to Baloch, Jamot, and Pashtun tribes.
8. Climate:
The climate is dominantly sweltering, dry, and clear. The summers are hot and
typically last 3.4 months, where the temperature can reach 52°C on average.
Winters are short and cool and usually last 2.9 months with a high average
daily temperature of less than 26°C
Population & Language:
In the 1998 census, the Sibi subdivision had a population of 103,700. The major languages spoken
were Balochi (44%), Sindhi (20%), Pashto (11%) and Saraiki (8.2%).
Sports:
People of this region enjoy traditional and modern sports such as Cricket, Chauk, Horse Racing and Wrestling .
Travel:
The region is connected with the rest of the country through a wide network of
roads, railways, and air routes. Several bus services for Sibi are operating from
all over Pakistan. A historic railway junction station (established in 1880) is
located in the town. Travelers can also reach the city by air. Sibi domestic
airport (SBQ) is located in the city. 6.1km
9. Agriculture & Industry
ECONOMY
Traditional economic and commercial activities are dominant in the region.
The impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is likely to
enhance Sibi’s contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth. Recently, a road is
constructed by CPEC which connects Sibi to Kohlu in Balochistan.
INDUSTRY
Because of its peculiar geographical beauty, the tourism industry is most
prominent. Employment opportunities & development of industrial zones
are expected to flourish due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the main occupation and means of subsistence of rural people.
Livestock is also a source of finance. The terrain is conducive for the cultivation
of crops such as wheat, rice, maize, jowar, bajra, and barley.
10. Historical Places & Tourism
Sibi is a place to visit for its archeological artifacts, mesmerizing mountains, and landscape. Tourists worldwide
visit here to watch and enjoy the Sibi Mela, an annual cultural show, has been held every February since the
sixteenth century.
The Horse & Cattle show is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to see the people, culture, folk dance, music,
and herds to learn the history of Balochistan. According to metrological guidelines, September and October are
the best months to visit this region. Following are some of its worth visiting sites:
Bolan Pass
Brick Making Sites
Fort Mir Chakar Khan
Luni Mound
Mehrgarh
Nari Gourge Dam
Safi Pirak Mound
Shahban Waterfalls
Sohbat Sarai
Victoria Hall
11. The Bolan Pass is a mountain pass through
the Toba Kakar range of Balochistan province in
western Pakistan, 120 km from
the Afghanistan border. It is made up of a number
of narrow gorges and stretches. It
connects Sibi with Quetta both by road and railway.
Strategically located, traders and nomadic tribes
have also used it as a gateway to and from South
Asia. The Bolan Pass is an important pass on the
Baluch frontier, connecting Jacobabad and Sibi with
Quetta, which has always occupied an important
place in the history of British campaigns
in Afghanistan.
Bolan Pass
12. In 1878, after an earlier assault on the
town in 1841, the British captured Sibi and
renamed it Sandemanabad, for Robert
Sandeman. The most imposing of the
extant buildings from the British era is the
1903 Queen Victoria Memorial Hall, now
named Jirga Hall. It is so named because it
was the assembly chamber for the British
and the leading tribal notables during the
annual Jirga (council of tribal elders) held
during the Sibi Mela.
Victoria Memorial Hall
13. Mir Chakar Fort is situated in Sibi. This fort is about by 5
Hundred Years Old. It was constructed by Mir Chakar Khan
Rind in 15th century.
Mir Chakar Khan Rind also known as Chakar-i-Azam was a
well known Sardar of Baloch tribe. He is remembered as a
Baloch Hero who defeated Lashari Tribe after war which
lasted thirty years.
After that victory, he went to lead a war against King Sher
Shah Suri of Afghanistan and he was died in 1565.
Mir Chakar Fort is now one of the famous historical tourist
destinations in Sibi. The fort has lost its dignity due to lack
of attention and proper preservation but it still reminds us
of our rich heritage.
The fort needs Government attention to protect it from
further destruction.
Mir Chakar Fort
14. Sibi Mela
Sibi Mela is a very fashionable event that happens each February and
is observed since sixteenth century throughout. This is an annual
cultural show held in Sibi, in the Balochistan Province of Pakistan.
The first Sibi Mela was held first held in January 1885 a market for
Livestock trade with passage of time developed into a cultural festival
with animal markets.
First Festival:
The 1887 fair began on 19 January and continued until 25 January.
Brigadier General Luck C. B. commanding in Sindh was President of
the Judging Committee and Mr. Helen General Superintendent Horse
Breeding Operations in India was one of members. The total number
of horses brought to the show was estimated to be 1,400 of which
about 1,022 competed for prizes.
Visit of Muhammad Ali Jinnah:
The Sibi Mela annually held in the city after the creation of Pakistan and Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Sibi and
attended the annual gathering of Sibi Mela 1948 and addressed the tribal Leaders.
15. Many livestock breeders gather every spring at Sibi town for sale and purchase, competition, and display of various
breeds of camels, cattle, and goats.
The Mela has a great significance for the people of this region in Balochistan. Of the twelve months in a year, it is
said that sibians spend six months to prepare for the meal and the remaining six months to remember it.
Events:
Camel Racing
Tent Pegging
Exhibitions of Handicrafts
Tribal Dresses and Folk dances
Departmental Exhibitions
Musical Show
Sports festivals
The programs included in Sibi Mela 2019 was Horse parade of
Cadet college students, Army band march past, Flower show, Parade
of different breed of animals including Sibi bhagnari cattle Breed, Folk
dance, tent packing, motor cycle jump, distribution of Prizes among
the Bhagnari Cattle Breeders.
Programs at Sibi Mela
16. Cuisines
Sibi is famous for its pickles, samosa chat, unique Smokey flavored charcoal tea.
Smoky Flavored Charcoal Tea is unique in its taste and also has health benefits as it
help to clear toxins from the body. Pickles of this region are delicious in taste.
17. Conclusion
Sibi is well-known for its natural geographic beauty
& renowned for its climate and is widely referred to
as the hot spot of Pakistan. Sibi is getting special
focus for the upcoming economic opportunities as
a result of the CPEC. It is a place to visit for its
archeological artifacts, mesmerizing mountains,
and landscape. Tourists worldwide visit here to
watch and enjoy the Sibi Mela which is a cultural
festival with animal markets annually held in this
district.
18. My Point of View
I have learned a lot about Sibi Culture and
its festival while working on this project. In
my point of view, Sibi has many historical
places including Bolan Pass, Mir Chakar
Fort and Victorial Memorial Hall but these
places needs Government attention to
order to save them from past glory and
losing cultural heritage as tourism brings
many benefits to country. The impact of
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) is likely to enhance Sibi’s
contribution to Pakistan’s economic
growth
19.
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on any topic contact me on:
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