Zhob District
Elevation: 7,500-10,000 feet
Area: 20,297 Sq Km
Zhob means oozing water, a reference perhaps to the spring which constitutes the source of Zhob River. Karez water can be seen everywhere when there is no drought situation. The Zhob district is located in the Balochistan Province in the north east of Pakistan. It lies close to the Afghanistan border. Zhob town is just east of Zhob river on an open plain. To the north is a ridge, about 150 ft high, on which is a castle from the time when the British colonized the area. In the winter, the weather is cold and the snow is normal. In the summer, although the temperature can get up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, there is little moisture, so it is not uncomfortable.
Zhob is a picturesque valley known for its beautiful mountains, treks and archeological sites. It starts from the Muslim Bagh (7500 feet) and ends at the Afghan border at Fort Sandeman (10000 feet). It expands to beautiful, breathtaking views throughout the valley. With an abundance of fruit orchards there is one dangerous little thing found amongst them, and that is the scorpion. In the month of April the flowers bloom and you'll be able to see an extraordinary site with flowers and snow together.
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Table of Contents
Geographical Importance of District Zhob...........................................................................3
Zhob District ...............................................................................................................................3
History: .........................................................................................................................................3
Geography:....................................................................................................................................4
RIVERS AND STREAMS.......................................................................................................4
CLIMATE....................................................................................................................................5
Flora & Fauna:............................................................................................................................5
Agriculture ...................................................................................................................................5
Forestry.........................................................................................................................................6
Horticulture.................................................................................................................................6
Livestock.......................................................................................................................................6
Irrigation ......................................................................................................................................6
Trade & Industries.....................................................................................................................6
Communication: .......................................................................................................................... 7
Ethnicity and Tribes................................................................................................................... 7
RELIGION ................................................................................................................................. 7
MOTHER TONGUE................................................................................................................8
Culture & Traditions: ................................................................................................................8
Food ...............................................................................................................................................9
Dress And Ornaments................................................................................................................9
Marriages in Zhob ......................................................................................................................9
Role of Women Zhob................................................................................................................10
Arms in Zhob ............................................................................................................................. 11
Housing in Zhob........................................................................................................................ 11
Construction Material Used in Housing: .............................................................................12
Sources of Energy .....................................................................................................................12
Drinking Water and Sanitation .............................................................................................12
Places to See: .............................................................................................................................13
Zhob Town .................................................................................................................................13
Muslim Bagh..............................................................................................................................13
Qilla Saifullah............................................................................................................................13
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Sandeman TangiFort Sandeman ...........................................................................................13
Shrines ........................................................................................................................................13
Historical And Archeological Sites........................................................................................13
Paryano Ghundi ........................................................................................................................14
Rana Ghundi..............................................................................................................................14
Occupations................................................................................................................................14
Population Size and Growth...................................................................................................14
Rural/Urban Distribution.......................................................................................................14
Literacy.......................................................................................................................................15
Education Attainment..............................................................................................................15
Immunization ............................................................................................................................15
Zhob in Comparison to Rest of Balochistan........................................................................15
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Geographical Importance of District Zhob
Zhob District
Elevation: 7,500-10,000 feet
Area: 20,297 Sq Km
Zhob means oozing water, a reference perhaps to the spring which constitutes the source of Zhob
River. Karez water can be seen everywhere when there is no drought situation. The Zhob district
is located in the Balochistan Province in the north east of Pakistan. It lies close to the Afghanistan
border. Zhob town is just east of Zhob river on an open plain. To the north is a ridge, about 150 ft
high, on which is a castle from the time when the British colonized the area. In the winter, the
weather is cold and the snow is normal. In the summer, although the temperature can get up to 100
degrees Fahrenheit, there is little moisture, so it is not uncomfortable.
Zhob is a picturesque valley known for its beautiful mountains, treks and archeological sites. It
starts from the Muslim Bagh (7500 feet) and ends at the Afghan border at Fort Sandeman (10000
feet). It expands to beautiful, breathtaking views throughout the valley. With an abundance of fruit
orchards there is one dangerous little thing found amongst them, and that is the scorpion. In the
month of April the flowers bloom and you'll be able to see an extraordinary site with flowers and
snow together.
History:
Camel Caravan in ZhobThe tribes inhabiting the area are indigenous to the land. Zhob is the cradle
of the Afghan race. Qais Abdul Rashid, who is believed to be one of the progenitors of the
Pashtoons or Afghans, lived in the Suleiman mountains near Zhob. He was born in 575 AD and
died in 661 AD. Natives call the place where he is buried "Da Kase Ghar" (the mountain of Qais).
He is buried near the Takht-e-Suleiman. The Chinese pilgrim Hiven Tsiang who visited India in
629 AD, described the Afghans as living in Zhob.
The inhabitants of Zhob valley gave tough resistance to Mehmood Ghazni, when he initiated his
raids on India. Later, however they joined ranks with him. Subsequently the area came under the
rule of Nadir Shah from 1736 to 1747 and later Ahmed Shah Abdali from 1747 to 1773. Zhob
remained under the rule of Durranis and Barakzais till British captured it. Preceding this event was
a period of fifty years of anarchy when Zhob was dubbed as 'Yaghistan" or the land of the rebels.
A number of areas now in Zhob, Killa Saifullah, and Pishin districts were ceded to British India
after signing of Durand Treaty in 1893. They soon became a district
Sir Robert Sandeman, the first Agent to the governor General in Balochistan occupied Zhob in
1889 extending his forward policy to the region with the subjugation of the tribes inhabiting the
Suleman range and occupation and control of numerous passes through it to the south. He also
secured the great Gomal pass and the carvanic routes to Ghazani and Kandhar. Captain Mac Ivor
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had been appointed the first political agent in Zhob with formation as the Political Agency in 1890.
Zhob district is the second oldest existing district of Balochistan, after Quetta.
Zhob was formed as a Political Ageny under the British rule in 1890. The district and its town
acquired the name of Zhob in 1975. Previously, it was known as Fort Sandeman after Sir Robert
Sandeman; who was then Political Agent to the Governor General in Balochistan. It was Sir Robert
Sandeman who extended British Rule into this region. The name was changed on July 30 1976 by
the then Prime Minister of Pakistan; Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The hand written remarks inserted by
him into the visitors book; preserved at the Zhob Militia Mess, says "Today we have taken a
decision to eliminate the last vestige of colonialism in this historical place by changing the name
to Zhob instead of Sandeman; the British conqueror and oppressor of Pathan and Baloch people
and of the country." Traditionally, Fort Sandeman was called Appozai, named after a village
situated two kilometres away.
Geography:
The district lies between 30 � 30� to 32 � 05� north latitudes and 67 � 26� to 70 � 00�
east longitudes. It is bounded on the north by Afghanistan and South Waziristan agency of FATA,
on the east by the tribal area adjoining Dera Ismail Khan district of NWFP and Musakhel district,
on the south and south-west by Loralai and Killa Saifullah districts. Total area of district is 20297
square kilometers.
The district has an important geo-strategic location. It links Afghanistan, South Waziristan
Agency, D.I.Khan district, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, and MusaKhel.
Topographically, the district is covered with mountains and hills intersected by the broad valley
of Zhob and its tributaries. The Toba Kakar range covers the western half of the district extending
from the boundary of Afghanistan up to the Zhob River. The Suleman range locally called as the
Kasi Ghar lies on the eastern boundary of the district. The famous Takht-e-Sulaiman or Solomon's
Throne is the highest peak of this range. It is about 3441 meters above sea level and located just
outside the boundary. The Sindh Ghar, Tor Ghar and Sur Ghar ranges are also situated in the
eastern side of the district. The two mountainous regions are of different character. The great part
of the district, beyond the left bank of the Zhob, consists almost entirely beyond the district
boundary. The general elevation of the district is 1500 to 3000 meters (7,500-10,000 feet)
On the south of Zhob valley, a succession of parallel ridges running from north-east to south-west
divide the drainage of the Zhob from that of the Bori valley in the Loralai district.
RIVERS AND STREAMS
The two principal drainage channels of the district are the Zhob and the Kundar Rivers, both flow
into the Gomal River. The Zhob river has a total length of about 410 kilometres. Zhob River is the
only river in the country that follows a north eastern course. It springs from the Kan Metarzai range
(Tsari Mehtarazai Pass), passes about 4 kilometre from Zhob city and finally flows into the Gomal
river near Khajuri Kach. The broad plain of the Zhob River is occupied by the alluvial formation.
The Kundar River rises from the central and highest point of the Toba Kakar range, a few
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kilometers northeast of the Sakir. It constitutes boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan
territory for a considerable length.
The other subsidiary rivers or streams are the Baskan, Chukhan, Sri Toi, Sawar, Surab, etc.
CLIMATE
Camel Caravan in ZhobThe climate of the district is hot and dry in summer and cold in winter.
June is the hottest month with mean maximum and minimum temperature of about 37�C and
23�C respectively. January is the coldest month with mean maximum and minimum temperature
of about 13�C and -1�C degree respectively. The dust storms occur in summer from July to
September accompanied by thunderstorms. In winters the wind blows from the west and is very
cold. The winds from the Southwest and east are also common, the later invariably brings rain.
The wind from the north occasionally blows during September to April bring drought and damage
standing crops. Rainfall is scanty and varies with the altitude. Most of the rainfall is received during
winter seasons.
Flora & Fauna:
Principal trees and plants found in Zhob district are wild olive (shinay), pistachio, chilgoza or
edible pine and wild almond in ghigh lands. Other trees include willow, tamarisk (along the beds
of streams) pastawana (grewia oppositifolio) and spalnai (calotropis gigantea).
Wild animals are wolves, jackals, hyenas, foxes, deer, and porcupines. Leopards and black bear
are occasionally found in the high hills in Suleman range. Wild pigs are seen along Zhob river
while straight horned markhors, wild goats, are present in moderate numbers in Shinghar
mountains. Among the game bird chakor, partridge and pigeon are numerous i n higher altitudes,
Sand grouse, quails, and bustard are found in plains. Other birds are doves, hoopoe, starlings and
vegetals, Jay black birds, wood pigeons, cuckoos and thrush live in high ranges while wild duck
and pelican are seen along the Zhob river in winter. Snake and scorpion are common every where
in Zhob. Fish (Mahsir) are found in every running stream and in Zhob river some of which weigh
up to 8 pounds.
Agriculture
Most part the area is hilly and barren with every limited water resources for agriculture purposes.
However, during recent years tube wells have become quite abundant with the result that
agricultural activity has registered a rise and a total of 36170 acre of land is under cultivation in
the district. Sowing and harvesting are still largely carried out in traditional manner but the use of
agricultural machinery is increasing day by day. However, there is very little scope for a radical
increase in the area under cultivation as the area is mostly "Barani". There are two cropping
seasons, Kharif and Rabi. Rabi crops are sown between October and mid February and harvested
in June. Kharif crops are sown from April to July and harvested by the end of October.
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Forestry
The district has big potential for social and natural forestry and vegetation cover in the district is
quite extensive. There are two forest reserves in the district. The total area under forest cover
(including social forest) is around 10,010 hectares. Commercial forestry in the district is for the
production of pine nut and timber. The pine- nut forests are very profitable. Commercial forestry
or cutting of timber for commercial purposes exists in Sherani sub-division.
Horticulture
Grapes are grown in abundance on the foothills of the mountains. Other is almond, apricot and
apple.
Livestock
Livestock raising is an important source of livelihood for the rural population and this has a great
potential. There are four veterinary hospitals in the district, with 57 veterinary dispensaries. There
is also one Artificial Insemination Center (A.I) and one Disease Investigation Laboratory (D.I.L).
Irrigation
Only 16,206 acres of land is irrigated throughout the district. Majority of the area in the district is
irrigated by springs. The following forms of irrigation are found in the district:
Perennial Irrigation Schemes - 35
Flood Irrigation Schemes - 10
Delay Action Dam/Storage Dam - 5
Flood Protection Schemes - 6
Political Parties in Zhob
Two political parties play an active role in the district. They are Jamiat-e-Ullemah Islam (JUI) and
Pakhtoon Milli Awami Party (PKMAP). However, the JUI is a stronger political group than the
PKMAP. It is more disciplined and organised on ideological grounds. Since its establishment in
1947, the Pakistan Muslim League received only little support in Zhob district. However, since
1988, support for the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has increased, after its candidate
Jaffar Khan Mandokhel started winning election. Still he is supported for tribal (Mandokhel) than
for party-political reasons.
There are two Senators from the Zhob district, Zariff Khan Mandokhel and Subedar Khan
Mandokhel; both are members of the PML-Nawaz. Previously there was another Senator, Rahim
Khan Mandokhel from PKMAP, but he resigned after his election to the Provincial Assembly.
Trade & Industries
Trade and trading activity in the district is largely in the informal sector because of proximity with
Afghanistan. Regular formal trade is relatively limited and mostly confined to consumable items.
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Apart from two flourmills located in Zhob town, no industry worth the name exist in the district.
Communication:
Zhob is linked by air with major cities of the country. A fokker flight operate from Quetta linking
Zhob with Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar and Islamabad. Zhob is 320kilometers from
Quetta, 225 kilometer from Dera Ismail Khan. However, the road linking with Dera Ismail Khan
is for most part a dirt track passing through water streams and only 48 kilometers is metalloid.
The poor condition of the road acts as a deterrent for an increase in inter-provincial transportation
and commercial exploitation of the route. The narrow railway linking Quetta with Zhob became
moribund in 1984 and the service is no longer available. While it functioned, the railway was a
romantic reminder of yesteryears highest railway-station of the country, enroute namely Kan
Mehtarzai (altitude 2800 meters). The total length of the track of the track was 295 kilometers with
11 railway stations on the way.
A radio station is functioning at Zhob, broadcast from which are widely listened to in the district
to in the district. In the urban television sets are common. The signal is transmitted from the booster
located at Loralai. The use of dish antennas is also growing.
Zhob is linked through the Nation Wide Dialing system to the country and other
telecommunication facilities such fax and telegraph are also available.
Postal service in Zhob is based on departmental arrangements. There are three departmental post
offices at Zhob City, Zhob GPO and Qamardin Karez respectively. There are nine extra-
departmental branches one each at Killi Appozai, Killi Ibrahim Khel, Kili Gohar Appozai, Killi
Lowara, Mani Kwa, Mir Ali Khel, Sambaza, Shinghar and Sharan Jogezai.
Ethnicity and Tribes
The district is inhabited by Mandokhels, Kakars, Sheranis, Haripals, Babars, Lawoons, Khosty
and Syeds. Sulemankhels, Nasars, Kharots, and other tribes of Afghan origin are also present.
RELIGION
The population of the district is almost Muslim. They constitute 99.43 percent of the total
population, with a breakup of 99.67 percent in rural and 98.15 percent in urban areas.The absolute
majority of the muslims living in Zhob district belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. A very small
number of Shia people lives in the district. There are Syeds living in the district but they belong to
Sunni sect as well. There is no "Imam Bara" found in the district. The two major festivals are Eid-
ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. They are occasions of great jubilation and joy. Other festivals are "Eid-
Miladuld Nabi, and Sab-e-Barat". During these festivals alms are given to the poor and relatives
give each other presents.
The population of Zhob district are religiously very conservative and strict. There is large
attendance in mosques, routine prayers, and religious observance. The performing of "Hajj"
(pilgrimage to Mecca) is common. Also poor people have performed Hajj. During the Ramzan,
the observance of fasting is generally very strict.
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The role of the "Mullah" (religious leader) is very important in the performance of rituals. The role
of Mullahs is still strong in rural areas where literacy is low. A Mullah is respected for being the
leader in prayers, profound knowledge of the Quran and performing rituals. Sick persons visit him
to be healed.
There are very few Christians, Hindu, Qadiani/Ahmadi, Scheduled Caste and other communities
which are only 0.58 percent of the total population. The district used to have a huge Hindu
population, but since partition of the sub-continent most of them have migrated. The Hindu
population left behind is not seen celebrating "Diwali" and "Holi".
MOTHER TONGUE
The predominant mother tongue of the population of the district is Pushto which is spoken by
96.82 percent of the total population followed by Saraki at 1.27 percent. The proportion of the
population speaking Pushto is higher in rural areas at 99.65 percent as compared to 81.93 percent
in urban areas. In contrast the proportion of Saraiki is higher in urban areas at 7.71 percent in
comparison to that in rural areas at 0.05 percent. The proportion of the population speaking Urdu,
Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi and others is 1.91 percent.
Culture & Traditions:
The dominating life style is still nomadic. Scattered mud huts exist for seasonal habitation; summer
is spent in highlands and winter in lower plains for feeding cattle in tribal reserved pastures. The
people are deeply religious and their lives are marked by strict adherence to tribal norms and
values.There are two major channels for conflict resolution in the district: namely the
traditional/tribal and the government/ institutional. The traditional/tribal channel however has
proved more effective than the latter. In the past jirga system operated in the region which was the
traditional system where by tribal elders sat together to settle disputes and mete out justice to
offenders. The system stands annulled by a decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1991.
The government however, still forms informal jirgas (comprising of notables from the tribes) for
conflict resolution, as they have proven to be very effective.
A high order of social cooperation exists among the people both on occasions of happiness and
sorrow. In case of death of a relative neighbor or friend, food is supplied to the deceased's
household for two to three days.
Majority of the people living in Zhob district belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam with a marginal
number of people belonging to the Shia sect of Islam.
There are two major channels for conflict resolution in the district namely the traditional/tribal and
the government/institutional. The traditional /tribal channel however, has proved more effective
than the latter. In the past the jirga system operate in the region which was proved more effective
than the latter. In the Past the Jirga system operated in the region which was the traditional system
where by tribal elders sat together to settle disputes and mete out justice to offenders. The system
stands annulled by a decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1991. The Government however,
still forms informal jirgas (comprising notable's etc) for conflict resolution, as they have proven to
be very effective.
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Food
Majority of the people have two meals daily, one in the morning and other at sunset. Only well-
to-do families have a third meal. An average meal consists of nan, locally called "marai" with
pulses, vegetables/meat broth and butter milk (lassi). Consumption of landhi, or dried meat is
common during winters. Sheep are specially fattened so that they may be more suitible for
preparing "landhi"
Dress And Ornaments
The majority of the male population wears shalwar kameez and a turban to cover their heads both
in summer and in winter with a chadder (piece of cloth) slung across the shoulders. The women
wear a wrapper and a long shirt reaching to the knees. Women belonging to the middle and upper
classes dress in the manner of other urban women in the province and also wear gold ornaments.
Marriages in Zhob
The marriage system is more or less the same for all tribes living in the district. Marriage is
regarded as an important institution. The age for a man to marry is from 20 to 25 years. Women
are 13 to 18 years old when they marry. The majority of marriages is pre-arranged and the bride
and groom often come from the same family. Marriages within the family with first or second
(paternal/maternal) cousins are common. The marriage is settled by the families of the bride and
bride-groom. Compared to women, men have a bigger say in the selection of their brides than
women have in the selection of their future husbands. Yet the mutual families play the biggest role.
Polygamy is practised. A large number of men has two wives. Hardly any man has three or four
wives. When the husband dies, the wife has little chance of remarrying. When the wife dies, the
husband easily marries again, no matter how many children he has. Through a girl is valuable asset
in an Afghanistan family by virtue of the bride price that she fetches yet no joy attends her birth
while the birth of a baby boy is celebrated in a joyous manner with the offering of shots in the air.
The system of vulvar (bride-price) is widely practised in the district. Money is paid by the groom
for a proposal to the guardians/parents of the girl. The amount varies from case to case. In case of
close family marriages, the amount may be smaller or waived completely. The payment of vulvar
is imputed at the time a proposal of marriage is made. There are no fixed rules about the amount
of vulvar. The amount of vulvar may be paid by the bridegroom, his parents/guardians or relatives.
The demanded price is usually raised when a proposal is repeated to the bride's side or when the
one proposed to is very beautiful; or when the man proposing is very rich and already married.
The centuries old system of exchanging girls for marriage is commonly practised. It is called
"tsarai". The system is strongly practised in semi-nomadic and the lower classes of society. In
tsarai, a girl is married to a man in exchange for a bride for her brother. The system brings down
marriage expenses as no vulvar has to be paid. Under the system girls are left with no choice. They
are not asked for their consent. After their daughters are married, parents become almost indifferent
towards their future welfare. The newly wedded wives remain at the mercy of their husband and
in-laws. It is observed that under an exchange system of marriages, retaliation may be shown by
11. Page 10 of 16
the husband's side against his wife in case his sister is not happy with his wife's brother. A second
marriage on the side may result in marriage break-up or ill treatment of the wife.
The major expenses involved in marriages, other than vulvar, are the arrangement of the wedding
and the purchase of jewellery and dresses. Gifts are given by relatives and friends to bride and
bride-groom. The bride is wearing a typical red bridal dress designed for the occasion, with her
hands and feet dyed red with henna. In Zhob district, where society is close, a man marrying
outside the family under an arranged marriage is not allowed to see his bride before the wedding
night. Marriage proposals, vulvar arrangements are verbal agreements. Though nothing is on
paper, they are respected by and large.
A marriage is regarded as a way to strengthen tribal or family relations. Marriages can be used to
settle tribal or family disputes. Refusal of a marriage if proposed may result in the weakening of a
family relationship. However, the spread of education and literacy are mitigating this kind of
considerations. The educated class of Zhob society is less rigid in the following of traditional rules,
though they are not totally free from them.
Role of Women Zhob
The entire society of Zhob district is male and tribally dominated. Men decide on politics and the
fate of the family and tribe. Therefore, they assume a predominant role in both the community and
family decision making. The rate of literacy amongst women is very low. Because of illiteracy and
unawareness, women enjoy fewer civil amenities and fundamental rights. Human rights of women
are frequently violated without any report.
Politically women are without any say. The women's seats of the Union Councils are filled, but
they do not participate in meetings. Female participation in elections has increased since 1985.
Previously, women were discouraged to vote.
Women play a minor role in decision-making, but they play an important role in the household
and agricultural affairs of the district. Though a woman shares the economic burden of the family
as she contributes to the household and productive work outside the house in fields, nonetheless,
her household work is not considered an economic contribution, and seldom credit is given to her
by husband or elders for her significant contribution to the family and society.
In rural areas, women are commonly observed to be involved in looking after horses, camels and
sheep, assisting in cultivation and doing traditional embroidery work. Society constrains them to
remain illiterate and to endure problems related to polygamy, vulvar and a generally low social
status. In case of polygamy, the first wife's opinion is not considered when a man wants to marry
a second wife. A change in the women's status is observed in areas with more female literacy.
Educated women have more influence in decision making and have more authority. Interest in
female education is rising, but there are not enough schools.
Cases of Siakari, or adultery, are very rarely reported. Because of the tribalism and Pashtoon code
of honour, such an incident if happens is not reported. A number of females found suspected of
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having illegal relationship are believed to have been put to death (by shooting or beheading)
without being reported officially. The man she was involved with may be killed as well. The
discussion of the act is regarded as taboo.
Arms in Zhob
The population possess a large number of weapons. According to the Political Agent office report,
both traditional and advanced weapons have been used in different situations. They include
traditional rifles and 12-bore shot-guns, and advanced weapons. The use of rocket launchers and
mortar gun has been reported as well.
Political Agent Fort/House in ZhobIn the tribal "B" area, the role of the police is limited. It is easy
to obtain a licence for small arms, but there are many unlicensed arms in the district, particularly
amongst tribes living close to the borders where many arms are smuggled in from Afghanistan.
The frontier towns are believed to have stored arms and ammunition for supply into Pakistan
during the Afghan revolution (1979 to 1994). The frontier town Kamardin Karez, at a distance of
224 kilometres from Zhob, had a famous arms market where one could buy a variety of arms
including rocket launchers.
Housing in Zhob
Houses in the district are mostly solid buildings of stone-blocks and mud. In both urban and rural
areas, the use of the stone is very frequent in the construction of houses. They are coated with thick
mud. Well-off people coat their houses with cement or concrete. The use of clay bricks and baked
bricks is common in the construction of houses in Zhob city and some other areas. The use of clay
bricks is common for roofs, boundary walls and barns. The majority of the houses has roofs made
of tin or iron, which are curved because of the snow fall in winter. The construction of double
storey buildings is uncommon. There are a few in Zhob city. In rural areas a courtyard may enclose
a number of the houses, both for reasons of safety and social affinity.
The housing characteristics are more or less similar all over the district. The houses are knit
together in villages which may comprise few or many houses. Seventy-five percent of the houses
in rural areas are without latrine and bath-room. Eighty-five percent of all houses in the district is
without proper drainage, human waste disposal arrangements and sewerage system. However,
because of the mountains and hills, the absence of drainage does not cause sewerage problems.
Eighty percent of the houses in the district are owned. The ratio of rented houses other than in
Zhob city is 5 to 8 percent. The rest of the houses is let to tenants. The ratio of rented houses in the
district is higher in Zhob city. In Zhob city, the ratio of rented houses is 35 to 40 percent, because
of the large number of army, FC, and government officers.
In Zhob city and the surrounding area there are buildings constructed during the British period. In
Zhob city the British built a huge airforce/military garrison, the Zhob Militia Mess and residences
for Political Agent and Assistant Political Agents. Most of them were built during the period 1893
to 1910. Buildings which are important from an historical point of view are the Political Agent's
Official residence known as "The Castle" and the Zhob Militia Mess the centennial of which was
celebrated in 1989. All VIPs to Zhob can, if desired, stay overnight in one of these two buildings.
13. Page 12 of 16
There are a number of officers' bungalows, now under the occupation of army officers, situated on
the VIP lane which are 80 to 100 years old. The APA house is also very old and nowadays
accommodates the Assistant Commissioner.
At Shinghar, at a distance of 82 km from Zhob, at the height of 2850 metres above sea level, are a
number of huts which were used by British officers. The place was the summer camp for the British
Political Agent, the Assistant Political Agent, the Commandant Zhob militia, and other few
officers. Arrangements were made for the pumping of water and transportation. The site is now
abandoned because the present Pakistani district administrators do not seem to show the least of
interest in the place. It appears a ghost town where occasionally people go for an adventurous over-
night stay or a picnic.
A number of forts exist in the surrounding of the district which were built by the British for the
deployment of militia troops. Some of them are abandoned and have collapsed. Others are in use
by the Frontier Corps and Levy. The important ones are at Mir Ali Khel, Dana Sher and Mughalkot.
There is one in Qamardin Kariz under the use of FC.
Construction Material Used in Housing:
As mentioned earlier, the houses in the district are made of stone, clay and baked bricks with thick
clay or mud topping and iron or steel roofing. Doors, windows and ventilators are made of wood.
Iron grills are rare. Most houses have a room with a ventilator. The use of cement is not common.
It is mostly found in case of government buildings and upper class people housing. There are a
number of houses which are over 100 years old. The height of the houses is usually not more than
3 metres.
Sources of Energy
Twenty-five percent of the area of the district is electrified. Gas is not available in the district
except in cylinders by those who can afford buying them. For industrial and
mechanical/agricultural purpose, the use of electricity is the only source. For the purpose of
cooking and heating electricity, dung-cake and wood are used. The use of coal for heating is less
common after the railway service was abandoned. In winter time, the rural population has
difficulty finding sources of energy for heating. Therefore, they start storing wood in summer.
Drinking Water and Sanitation
The major source of drinking water in the district is spring water. The drinking water in urban area
of Zhob is supplied through gravity source by storage tanks. There are six reservoirs with each
120,000 gallon capacity. There is no regular sanitation system except in Zhob city which is
however not properly maintained. As mentioned, because of the hilly slop and lack of mud, the
rain water is soon absorbed.
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Places to See:
Zhob Town
Zhob situated at a distance of 320 kilometers from Quetta was previously called Fort Sandeman.
It still contains relics that harkens back to its grand past, one is the Zhob Militia mess and the other
is the officials residence of Political Agent, Zhob known as the "castle". The British cemetery at
Zhob, which was another reminder of the "Raj", has been vandalized and lies in ruins.
Muslim Bagh
Muslim Bagh is the center of Chromate Mines and is located 96 kilometers north east of Quetta.
Coming to Muslim Bagh and not visiting the chromate mines is a waste of a tour. The Muslim
Bagh is known as an Oasis of Orchards. Yet another place to see in Muslim Bagh is Asia's highest
Railway Station Kanmehtarzai Pass, which is on the road that connects Fort Sandeman with
Bostan.
Qilla Saifullah
Qila Saifullah is the seat of the famous Jogezai family located on the ancient Carvan routes. It is
famous for its Apples, Pistachio Nuts, and some beautiful scenery spots. Its community is known
to be the earliest agricultural community in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent, which flourished at the
beginning of 3000 BC. The climate here is heavy, but enthrallingly seductive for adventure
travelers!
Sandeman TangiFort Sandeman
Fort Sandeman is at the Afghan-Pakistan border and is sorrounded with beautiful scenery. Sheen
Ghar (Green Mountain) at this height is covered with Pine forests and is the best area in the valley
to shoot Chakor.
Shrines
There are two well-known shrines in the district. They are of Hazrat Nazar Nika at six km from
Zhob and Hazrat Khostoo Baba 100 km from Zhob in the direction of Waziristan. Two other
shrines are Zakoo Nika near Zhob and Palwand Baba in the Mughalkot area. Visits to shrines is
not common in Zhob. There are no shrines in the district where regular "urs" (annual celebrations)
are observed.
The tomb of Qais Rashid on the top of Suleiman mountain is also a place to visit. However, as the
mountain is steep and high, visits are difficult to make. People who reach the top take goats for
sacrifice for the fulfilment of their desires and for the sake of the saint.
Historical And Archeological Sites
A number of mounds, ruins, and caves dot the expanse of the district, which have historical and
archeological importance. The general consensus among most experts is that they belong to the
Mughal period.
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The region is rife with many legends. One legend relates that on their way back to Palestine,
Prophet Suleman was requested by his newly wed Indian bride who was a princess that she be
allowed to take a last look at her ancestral land India and Soloman Landed his "takht" or flying
throne on the mountains.
Paryano Ghundi
Paryan-o-Ghundi, which means a hill of fairies, is at two miles distance to the west of Zhob town.
It was excavated by Sir Aural Syien in 1924. It was visited in 1950 by Fair resemblance with that
found in Harapa. Unfortunately, the mound has been completely destroyed by the local people.
Rana Ghundi
Rana Ghundi is an archeological site having mounds from which remains of a culture have been
found with affinities spread to the Hisar culture of North East Iran dating back to 3500 BC. Red
Pottery has also been found, which is estimated to belong to a period earlier than the Indus valley
civilization.
Occupations
Animal husbandry, small-scale farming and Government service are the major occupations. The
Mandokkhels are an enterprising lot who dominate the realm of Government contractor-ship in
Balochistan and as far away as Karachi and Islamabad, while numerous members of the Shirani
tribe are serving in the Gulf countries, mostly as laborers.
Population Size and Growth
The population of Zhob district is 275.14 thousands in 1998 as compared to 213.29 thousands in
1981 recording an increase of 29.00 percent over the last 17 years i.e. 1981-98. The increase of
113.50 and 99.36 percent was observed during intercensal period 1972-81 (8.46 years) and 1961-
72 (11.67 years) respectively. Overall the population of the district has increased rapidly showing
substantial increase of 449.07 percent during the last 37 years i.e. 1961-98 which is five and a half
times.
The total are of the district is 20297 square kilometers having population density 13.6 persons per
square per square kilometer in March 1998.
Rural/Urban Distribution
The rural population of the district is 231.30 thousands constituting 84.07 percent of the total
population. The average annual growth rate of rural population during 1981-98 is 1.44 percent
which was 9.74 and 5.96 percents during 1972-81 and 1961-72 respectively. The urban population
of the district is 43.84 thousands constituting 15.93 percent of the total population. The average
annual growth rate of the urban population during 1981-98 is 1.88 percent which was 7.52 and
6.76 percent during 1972-81 and 1961-72 respectively
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Literacy
A person was treated as literate in the 1998 census if he could read a newspaper and write a simple
letter in any language. The literacy ration of the district among the population aged 10 years and
above is 16.78 percent, 47.84 percent for urban areas, and 10.40 percent for rural areas.The literacy
ratio of the district among the population aged 10 years and above is 16.78 percent, 47.84 percent
is urban areas and 10.40 percent in rural areas. The male literacy ratio is 24.53 percent compared
to 6.90 percent for female.
Education Attainment
During the 1990s, the enrollment of children in schools nearly doubled in the Zhob district. For
boys, it went from 15136 in 1993 to 21841 in 1997. For girls, it more than doubled, from 3046 in
1993 to 6789 in 1997. A large variation exists in the ratio of educated persons by sex and area.
The percentage of educated males is 23.72 percent and of females, 6.33 percent. It is 47.65 percent
for urban areas as against 9.58 for rural areas.
Immunization
53.34 percent of the children under 10 years of age have been reported as vaccinated, while 21.01
percent have been reported as not vaccinated, leaving the rest 25.65 as not known.
Zhob in Comparison to Rest of Balochistan
The main objective of the series of District Profiles is to provide information on a wide range of
sectors and subjects for each of the 26 districts in Balochistan. The result however creates the
possibility to compare the districts among themselves and to compare the situation in each of them
with the situation in Balochistan as a whole. To introduce this perspective, 32 indicators have been
selected on which this comparison can take place. These indicators, and others, can be found on
the following two pages. Each district can be ranked on each of the indicators. The relative position
of Zhob district is reflected in the diagram on the third page. The diagram gives a bottom-up
ranking: position nr.1 means the lowest score on that particular indicator, while position nr.26
implies the highest score.
An overall ranking of districts is not given, because that would mean attaching as certain weight
to each of the indicators.
As far as Zhob district is concerned, the following observations can be made.
With its 16,520 square kilometer, Zhob is about 3,000 square kilometer bigger than the average
size of districts in Balochistan; the size of the area gives the district position nr.20, while the
population (projected to be 344,122) puts it one position lower. The density of population is the
same as the density for the whole of the province.
The quantity of fruit production is comparatively high (fifth highest in the province), while the
overall agricultural production puts the district in the middle category. The agricultural production
value per hectare is the third highest, which might indicate a reasonably favourable productivity.
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Zhob district scores relatively high as far as the number of livestock units is concerned; it takes
however a fairly low position in the ranking on pasture area and available pasture area per livestock
unit. This would suggest that expansion of the livestock sector is only feasible through more
intensive methods of production. The current value of livestock off-take per capita puts the district
in the upper half of the ranking.
The enrolment figures in primary education for both boys and girls belong to the middle category
(position nr.13 and 10 respectively); while the pupils/teacher ratio is on the high side compared to
the other districts (position nr.21 for boys and nr.17 for girls).
All of the four health indicators fall in the middle category of rankings with the lowest score for
the population per doctor ratio (position nr.9), although the number of population per bed is nearly
twice the average in the province as a whole.
Although exact figures on the coverage of water supply are not available, the impression is that
also on this indicator the district takes a position in the middle.
The density of metalled roads (length of road per square kilometer) is about 50% higher than the
average in the province and gives Zhob district position nr.16. The situation with regard to shingle
roads is less favourable: position nr.9 and a density which is 20% lower than the provincial
average.