Awaran     A District Profile                      

  Awaran     A District Profile                      

Foreword

Table of Contents
Outline District Profile
Awaran
1. District Resources
2. Demography and Housing
3. Social Organisation
4. Government Organisation
5. Productive Sectors

• • Agriculture / Horticulture
  • Livestock
  • Fisheries
  • Forestry
  • Mining
  • Industry & Manufacturing

6. Economic Infrastructure and Communications
7. Social Infrastructure

• • Water Supply
  • Health
  • Education
  • Sports

8. District Accounts and Development Funds
9. The District in comparison to Balochistan
10. Conclusion: Potential and Constraints

Annexes:
1. List of all names of all Union Councils and Tehsils
2. Population Figures Census 1981 and Projected Figures 1995
3. Meteorological Data
4. Functions of Local Government
5. List of names of the MPAs, MNAs and Senators
6. Overview of Post, Telecommunication, Banking and Rest House Services at Union Council level
7. Overview of Water Supply Schemes per Union Council level
8. Overview Enrolment Government Primary Schools
9. Government Staff Establishment
10. Some Observations about the Data
11. List of Acronyms
12. Metric System and its Equivalents
13. Bibliography

Outline District Profile
District at a Glance 

Map of Awaran

Balochistan Map
 

Awaran
The earliest history of Awaran is the same as that of Khuzdar and the Southern area of Balochistan. As mentioned in the Gazetteer of Jhalawan: "Sir T. Holdich, thought that Krateros went by the Mula Pass and if this was the case it seemed possible that Choarene may be identifiable with Khuzdar". Mula Pass also covers the area of present Awaran. The central position of Awaran is evident from the point of convergence near Bela from the Turbat Gwadar link to Karachi - Quetta RCD highway (Kia to Awaran and Jhal Jhao). It is possible that, during the time of the Arabs when Khuzdar was the chief town of this area, this route was adopted by them.

The tribes in Awaran are divided into several clans. The main tribes in the district are Bizenjos, Mohammed Hasnis, Sajdis, Mirwanis, Rakhshani, Musianis, Sumalanies and Mengals.

The Bizenjos occupy the area along the banks of the Hingol river from Nal to the Jau valley. A considerable number of the Bizenjos is found in Kech and Awaran. They settled at the time of Mir Fakir Mohammed Bizenjo, the chief of the tribe.

The second main tribe in the area is Mohammed Hasnis. They live in the valley of Mashkai in the northern part of the district. The third major tribe in the area is known as Sajdis. The dominant sections of the tribe in the area are Sakazai, who seem really to be of Scythian origin. The Sajdi were true Balochs but, owing partly to inter-marriage, gradually amalgamated with the Brahvis. According to local accounts, the Sajdis first appeared 25 generations back, from the north, and established themselves in the Gichk valley near Panjgur.

Another tribe, i.e., Mirwanis is also famous in the area. It is an important Brahvi tribe. In the district, Mirwanis are principally found in Mashkai. The Mengals are also residing in the area, There are three distinct Brahvi tribes amongst Mengals. First is the Mengals of Khuzdar, second is the Mengals of Bolan, and third is the Mengals of Naushki. The Khuzdar Mengals are said to be Jadgals by origin. They are subdivided into the following branches. Shahizai, Pahlwanzai, Raisani, Baranzai, Mahmudzai, Mardoi, Sheikh, and Lehri. All of them, except the Lehris, are Raj-o-Kabila. Mengals take pride in some of their brave chiefs. At present Mengals are dominant in the district.

Awaran was notified as a separate district on 11^th November 1992. Previously it was a sub-division of Khuzdar district. The old name of Awaran was Kolwa. The district consists of three tehsils – Mashkai, Awaran, Jhal Jhao –, eight patwar circles, and 204 mauzas.

1. District Resources
1.1 Introduction
Awaran has a large area, but the area potentially available for cultivation is very limited. The geographical area within administrative boundaries of the district is 2,162,948 hectares. The area not reported is 55.5 percent. The statistics shows that the reported area in Awaran is 963,388 hectares, i.e., 44.5 percent. Cultivable waste is only 0.7 percent. Potential area available for cultivation is 87,612 ha (4.1%). This area may be further developed for agricultural activities by improving the irrigation facilities and providing technical know-how to the farmers. It will improve the economic condition of the area.
 

1.2 Topography
Awaran district is located from 25° -03¢ to 29° -22¢ north latitudes and from 64° -04¢ to 66° -15¢ east longitudes. It is bounded in the north-west by Kharan district, in the north-east and east by Khuzdar district, in the east and south by Lasbela district, and in the west by Panjgur and Kech districts. The geographical area of the district is 21,630 square kilometres.

The general characteristics of the district are mountainous ridges and valleys. The Siahan range runs throughout the northern boundary of the district, separating it from the valley of Siahan and Panjgur district. The height of these mountains ranges between 3,000 to 4,500 meters above see level.

Hingol is the main river in the district. It is drained by the Boddo river and its numerous tributaries. At the northern end the slopes are gradual, but from Gidar to Mashkai its sides become precipitous.

1.3 Climate
The climate of Awaran is hot in summer and cool in winter. Dust storms are experienced throughout the year. The storms become very severe from June to September when they are known as livar. Summer days are hot but nights are cool. The winter is cool. Awaran is an area of extremely limited rains. The rain falls mostly during the months of April, May, June, and July. On the basis of meteorological data available, the district can be placed in "semi-arid hot summer and mild winter" climatic category.

 
1.3.1 Annual Mean Rainfall
The rainfall in the area is scanty and uncertain. Normally it is received during April, May, June, and July. Little rainfall is also recorded during December and January. The total annual rainfall in 1995, recorded at the meteorological station at Khuzdar, was 578 mm.

 
1.3.2 Annual Mean Temperature
At present, accurate temperature data are not available for Awaran. However, the data available for Khuzdar may give some idea about the climate of Awaran (see Annex 3). It has been observed that mean temperature in the hottest month (June) remains above 32°C while in winter it remains between 10°C and 21°C. It confirms the climatic category of "hot summer and mild winter".

1.4 Soils
The district is mountainous, intersected by broad valleys. The soil of the district is fertile both in irrigated and un-irrigated tracts. But due to non-availability of water, most of the area is permanently barren. The soil of Mashkai, Jhal Jhao, and surrounding areas of Awaran is very fertile.

1.5 Minerals
It has been observed that mineral resources are unexplored in Awaran. This is due to lack of communication and transport facilities. The district possesses large quantities of chromate and building stone but these are not exploited.

1.6 Vegetation
Compared to other districts there is less vegetation in the Awaran district. There are no forests, and trees are few and scanty, with date-palm trees being most common. A few wild fig trees exist here and there in the hills; tamarix and willows are found in the Mashkai tehsil. The plants of the lower region are Otostegia Auohesi and Pyonotheco Spinosa. A spiny bush, Convolvulus Spinosus is very common in the district.

1.7 Energy
The major source of energy in the area is fuel wood and bushes, while dung-cakes are also used in some households. There is no electricity or gas facility in the district. Few houses and hotels use diesel generators for electricity generation. The people use kerosene lamps for lighting.

1.8 Environment
The district is free from air pollution. There are no industries or heavy traffic in the district. There is dust pollution and the sanitation is very poor in the area. No sanitation systems exists. Solid waste and garbage is dumped in the corners of streets, polluting the whole environment. Potable water is also a problem, particularly in the remote areas of the district. Most people do not have separate kitchen or bath rooms. This situation creates unhygienic conditions and causes many diseases.

1.9 Conclusion and major Development Issues
More than half (55.5%) of the total geographical area in Awaran district is still not reported. Arable land is only 3.3 percent which invites serious efforts in exploitation of more land for agriculture. Climate of the district is semi-arid but temperate. The mountainous areas of the district may have mineral reserves but are not yet explored. Although the district is free of air and noise pollution, grey pollution is an increasing environmental threat.

2.   Demography and Housing
2.1 Population
Awaran has witnessed a steady rise in population. During the 44 years from 1951 to 1995, the population of the area has increased 530 percent. This is an alarming situation. If no serious steps are taken to control the rapid growth of population it will badly affect development of the district. The whole population has always been rural.
 

2.1.1 Population Growth Pattern
The population of Awaran increased from 51,918 in 1972 to 110,353 in 1981 with an average annual growth rate of 8.7 percent. It is a significant increase from the growth rates (-0.2% and 4.5%) of previous inter-censal periods 1951-61 and 1961-72 respectively. The NIPS projection for 1995 shows an annual growth rate of 3.1 percent. The growth trends are hard to explain as other vital statistics are not known.

2.1.2 Population Composition
In 1981, the male/female ratio was 1.2 as the male and female population of the district was 60,252 and 50,101 respectively. The infants were 3.8 percent and children from 1 to 14 years were 50.4 percent. The adult population above 18 years was 38.7 percent and population eligible to vote (above 21 years of age) was 36.5 percent. The women of child bearing age (15-49 years) were 36.6 percent of the total female population. Although the male population of up to 25 years of age outnumber the female population in this stratum, the male population of age group 5-19 years is significantly higher than that of the females. These trends depict under-enumeration of females, on the one hand, and unreliability of the census data on the other hand.

 
2.1.3 Household Size
The average household size in the district was 6.6 in 1981, whereas it was projected to be 6.5 in 1991. This shows that there was hardly any change in the household size between 1981 to 1991.

2.1.4 Dependent Population
In 1981, the dependent population below 15 years of age was 54.2 percent of the total population while dependent population of 65 years of age and above was 3.0 percent. Male dependency was 58.8 percent and for females this ratio was 55.2 percent. The actual female dependency ratio is higher due to illiteracy. Socio-economic conditions, and the cultural values also effect the dependency ratio of the area. Of the total population (15 years and above), 17,557 males and 17,554 females were married in 1981. The reported ratio of divorce was 0.3 percent and widows were 3.0 percent of the total population.

2.1.5 Rural-Urban Dimensions
Awaran is the most underdeveloped district of Balochistan. No urban area exists in the district. Awaran is the only town in the district which has adopted some urban trends.

2.1.6 Spatial Population Distribution
Population density in 1981 was 5.1 person per square kilometre, whereas it was reported to be 2.4 in 1972. The estimated population density for 1995 was 7.8 persons per square kilometre. Majority of the population is residing in the three towns: Awaran, Mashkai and Jhal Jhao. Since Awaran town has been announced as district headquarters, people of the rural areas are very much interested to settle in this town.

2.1.7 Ethnic Composition
The major language in the district is Balochi, which is spoken in 92.2 percent of the total households followed by Brahvi (7.7%) and then by other languages including Pushto and Urdu (0.1%).

2.1.8 Nature and Extent of Migration
About 50 percent of the population of Awaran are nomads. Most of them depend on the produce of their flocks. The exceptions are those individuals that own sufficient arable irrigated land to support them. Some people go to Karachi in search of jobs. People also go to Kech, Gwadar, and Khuzdar in search of Jobs. The people of the Mashkai valley resort to Rakhshan and Raghae valleys with their flocks. There are no vital statistics available regarding migration. All the estimates are made on the basis of observation. People of the rural areas also want to live in Awaran town in search of a brighter future for their families as there is extreme poverty in the rural areas of Awaran district.

2.2 Labour Force
The area has very limited economic activities. About 75 percent of the people are engaged in agriculture, 20 percent in livestock, 2 percent in government services, and 3 percent in other activities. In the district, no mining, industrial, or fisheries related activity exists. Some people are involved in smuggling, due to non-availability of jobs. The job opportunities can be improved by providing infrastructure facilities to the area.

2.3 Housing
According to the 1980 housing census, most (78%) of the housing units were single-room. The two-room housing units were only 14 percent. Crowding in terms of persons per housing unit and persons per room was six and five respectively. For security and prudish reasons all houses have a compound wall.

2.3.1 Tenure
In 1981 nearly all houses were occupied by the owners themselves. Only a few houses were given free of rent. After establishment of the district, new offices were opened at the district headquarters; therefore some houses were rented for offices. No exact figures regarding the tenure were available.

2.3.2 Construction Material
Previously mud and unbaked bricks were used for construction of houses. Now changes in this sector are observed. In Awaran and Mashkai new buildings are constructed with baked bricks and cement. In the rural areas the poor people use wooden beams, date leaves and mud for roofs. Mud is also used for the construction of walls.

2.3.3 Sources of Energy
For lighting, kerosene lamps are used in the area. About 98 percent of the population uses fuel wood and bushes for cooking. Only two percent of the population is using gas cylinders. Recently WAPDA has completed a survey for supply of electricity in the area. With the supply of electricity it is hoped that the area will develop.

2.3.4 Housing Characteristics
According to the 1981 census, 78 percent of the housing units were single-room and the remaining consisted of 2 or more rooms. No separate kitchen and latrine facilities were available inside the houses, however, a new trend of having a kitchen and latrine inside the house is developing in the urban area of Awaran.

2.3.5 Drinking Water and Sanitation
The main sources of drinking water are open surface wells and springs. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has completed 34 water supply schemes in the area, whose actual coverage seems much low than the claimed, i.e., 60.7 percent of the population. The Local Government & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) is also providing community hand pumps, while involving the community. Up to March 1996, LG&RDD has installed 25 hand pumps in Jhal Jhao and 209 in Awaran town. This scheme has been very successful in the area.

No proper sanitation system exists in the area. Only few housing units have latrine facilities. Similarly bathroom and kitchen facilities are not available in these housing units. For the disposal of solid waste no system exists in the area. People throw their garbage in the streets.

2.4 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The population growth trends have been inconsistent in Awaran. The population density is 7.8 while average household size is 6.6. More than half of the population is dependent. The whole district is rural and civic facilities are non-existent.

The labour force is predominantly male and women are restricted to household chores, handicrafts, and agriculture-allied activities. Their participation in the labour force needs to be promoted as well as facilitated.

Most of the houses are made of mud and unbaked bricks. Separate latrines are a rare facility. Water supply is limited and sanitation facilities are absolutely unsatisfactory. Often women and children have to fetch water from water sources located far away from their houses.

As most of the population is deprived of basic civic facilities, there is much need for well co-ordinated and integrated development planning on behalf of the government. Moreover community resources also need to be mobilised through NGOs and CBOs.

3. Social Organisation
3.1 Introduction
The society of Awaran district is patriarchal, deeply rooted in the tribal system. The people feel secure in their tribes. The chief of each tribe is known as Sardar. His position is unassailable and the particular group to which the Sardar belongs forms a small aristocracy taking special precedence in the tribe. Within the tribe the precedence of each clan, section, and sub-section is marked and defined and the head of each such group takes precedence within his group. Below these status positions, equality is the rule.

The food habits of the area are similar to those encountered in other areas of the division. The majority of the people have only two daily meals. One in the morning, between 10 and 12 a.m. and the other at sunset. The former is called Saeara and the latter Sham. During the spring, when milk is abundant, many of the flock owners have only one solid meal in the evening and mainly milk at noon. Only well-to-do people take Nihari (breakfast) in the early morning which in summer consists of bread and curd and in winter of dates and butter. Leavened (khamiri) and unleavened (Patisi) cakes baked on a stone griddle (tafu) are made of wheat. The unleavened cakes are more common. Travellers and shepherds eat kurnu made by wrapping dough around a heated stone and putting it in the embers. They also eat shiti which is baked by putting the dough under hot ashes and embers or heated sand. The people of Mashkai like to eat dates. The poor of Jhal Jhao often substitute juar for wheat.

The Brahvis always dress traditional style; a loose white shirt, a pair of trousers of the same texture, and a flat cap; the shepherds sometime wear a white flat shirt. A woman’s dress ordinarily consists of a long shift (Kus) reaching the ankles, a pair of trousers (Shalwar), and a wrapper (Gud). The poor do not generally use the trousers. The shifts and wrappers of the upper class are sometimes made of silk.

3.2 The Family
The family is a universal and multifunctional institution. It plays a very important role in the raising of a child. The family structure in the district is mostly joint. In urban areas of Awaran only few families live in a nuclear family system. The senior male member of the family is the head of family. His decision is considered final in family affairs.

3.3 Marriage
The marriage customs are the same as in other parts of southern Balochistan. Among the tribesmen, early marriage is very common. Generally, marriages are arranged by the parents. The marriage invariably takes place after puberty. The bride is generally four to five years younger than the groom. In rare cases infant betrothals take place among very near relations. Marriages with young girls are not so frequent, except among the wealthy. The bride price (labb) is very common in the area. It varies from rupees 10,000 to 200,000 according to the position of the concerned parties and the age, beauty, and qualities of the girl, and is paid in cash. The bride-price may also be in shape of sheep, goats, camels, and land. This is practised by the nomadic tribes in the rural areas. There is no consideration of the bridegroom’s age or ability. Haq mahar is generally fixed before the nikah ceremony, but it is seldom recovered by a wife in her husbands life. It is exacted in case of divorce or death of the wife by her heirs. The system of exchange of brides (adal badal) is common among the tribe. This exchange is generally confined to near relations.

The bride’s parents generally present her with a dress and a few ornaments, bedding, and some household articles. Few suits or clothes are also given to the bridegroom. Wealthy families present the bride with many dresses, numerous expensive ornaments, and domestic articles. In case the bride is a former widow, no ceremonies take place except the nikah ceremony.

3.4 Social Organisation
The people of Awaran are very co-operative. They take care of each other, especially within their tribe, at different occasions such as marriage and death. They also assist each other in cash and kind, but there is no formal co-operative organisation in the area.

3.5 Customs of Co-operation
People take much interest in assisting each other. Co-operation here is known by different names, which are as follows:  

1. "Bijar". At the time of marriage the relatives and community people contribute in terms of cash or kinds according to their financial capacity.
2. 
    
3. "Sargust". The second assistance is called sargust (salami). The people give money to the bridegroom and congratulate him, his parents, and the family. This ceremony is very common in the area.
4. 
    
5. "Purs". At the time of a person’s death the people assist the grieving and share their sorrow showing sympathy with the family. They also pay cash to the affected family according to their capacity. It is known as Purs.
6. 
    
7. "Pory". In case of murder the tribe decides to pay a lump-sum fine to the victim’s family. The murderer is also assisted by monetary contribution so that he may be able to pay the fine.
8. 
    
9. People also co-operate in the installation of community hand pumps and their maintenance.

3.6 Religious Beliefs
The majority of the people of the area are Sunni Muslims. Zikris are also living in the area. Zikris go to Turbat to offer their prayers. The Mullahs are the most influential person in their community. Zikri people pay much respect to them and discuss their problems with them. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are main festivals of the Muslims. These occasions are celebrated with full joy.

3.7 Conflict Resolution
People in Awaran solve their conflicts in two ways. One is through government organisations and the other is through the jirga system. In Awaran district the jirga system is very effective. In case of conflict, people submit their request to the jirga to resolve their disputes. This system provides justice within a short time and saves money also. People also register their cases in court but for that purpose they have to go to Khuzdar. The common people can not bear the expenses and court fees. In biradari system (informal brotherhood) the minor disputes are solved through counselling and negotiation among the conflicting parties. This system is also practised in the area.

3.8 Arms
The rich people, Sardars and Maliks of the area possess traditional and modern weapons, while the lower class people have only rifles or shotguns. Most of the arms are without licences. Very few licences for Kalashnikovs have been issued by the district administration to influential persons. The tribal chiefs, in order to show their power and status, carry a variety of dangerous weapons with their bodyguards. The deadly weapons are frequently used in disputes between different tribes.

3.9 Role, position and status of Women
In Awaran area the women have nothing to do with the decision making in family affairs. It has been observed that due to poverty, the girls and women are very much deprived of their rights. Their life is miserable, particularly in the rural areas of the district. "Women’s social status and economic roles vary within the different groups according to the different social customs, modes of livelihood and levels of economic well-being. However, one salient fact which stands out as a common feature is their relative lack of power vis-à-vis men. This is partly due to the persistence of patriarchal tradition."

In most of the socio-economic activities "men hold a monopoly of power in the public area. In the political domain, local level chiefs and tribal authorities are always men, as are the members of local councils or jirga". In the economic domain, the situation is similar, men usually control the process of production and exchange, and serve as the main decision makers for family subsistence, strategies and performance.

The burden of tasks associated with reproductive roles and household responsibilities falls squarely on women. All the daily tasks in household maintenance and care of family members are responsibilities of women. These include collection of fuel wood and water from sources which may be far away, particularly in the rural areas of the district. Illiteracy, poverty, lack of resources and limited time may seriously hamper a woman’s efforts to ensure the well being of her family.

Women have no awareness about their rights, this is mainly due to a lack of education. The majority of women are illiterate. The women’s status is that of subjugation to men. Women participate with men in agriculture and livestock activities, but their labour is not accounted for. There is no other social or political activity in which women participate. Their role is mainly concentrated in the household.

3.10 Apprenticeship and Child Labour
Only a few children were observed working at hotels, shops and in the bazaar. They sell fruits and vegetables. In the rural areas the male and female children are working with their families in cutting fodder, collection of fuel wood and bushes. The girls are exclusively engaged in household activities, fetching water, cleaning the house and doing embroidery work. The reasons behind child labour include poverty and lack of access to education. Even if they are enrolled in schools, after some time, they are taken out for need of their labour at home.
 

3.11 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Awaran is a tribal society where women do not have equal socio-economic opportunities. They have no say in important decisions of their life. The society here is predominantly patriarchal and monogamy is the most common mode of marital life.

The people do co-operate in formal or informal ways, hence, community participation can be a viable mode for development activities. In many cases interpersonal conflicts are solved with the help of elders in the community.

Although most of the working children are involved in activities which actually help their families, their work still should be seen as child labour as it prevents them from getting education. There is more need for informal and vocational education.

4. Government Organisation
Awaran started functioning as a district on 11^th November 1992. Previously it was a sub division of Khuzdar district. It is now the sixth district of Kalat division. The main objective in granting the status of a district to Awaran was to provide basic civic services to the people by establishing government offices.

4.1 Administrative Division
The district consists of three tehsils, i.e., Mashkai, Awaran, Jhal Jhao; eight patwar circles – Jairi, Gajar, Parwar, Peelar Jah, Awaran, Gashkore, Peelar Jhao and Camp Jhao; and 216 mauzas (villages). At district level, the Deputy Commissioner is the overall in-charge and supervises activities of all the government Departments.

4.2 Brief history of Local Government Institutions
The local government system in Pakistan was introduced during President Ayub Khan’s regime as a "Basic Democracy" system. This system was dissolved by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but reactivated by General Zia-ul-Haque. In 1979, local bodies elections were held throughout the country. In Balochistan the elections for local bodies were held in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1991 on non party basis. The local bodies in Balochistan were dissolved on 19^th December 1996. New elections are expected in 1997. Local government consists of the Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) and local government bodies.

4.3 Local Government Administration
The LG&RDD at district level is headed by an Assistant Director. Under his supervision the Development Officer (DO) and Assistant Engineer carry out their duties with the assistance of the administrative and technical staff.

The chairman and other members of the local councils are public representatives, while the Assistant Director is a government employee. The government and public representatives try to resolve the problems of the area with mutual co-operation and understanding. The staff of local government in Awaran is very limited. The resources are also limited.

4.3.1 Union Council
The Union Council is the lowest local bodies institution at the village level. The major function of the Union Council is to serve the people by organising them to utilise their resources in a suitable manner. Generally it covers a population from 10,000 to 15,000. But in Awaran some Union Councils represent less than 10,000 people. The people directly elect the members of the Union Council, also known as councillors. The number of councillors varies from six to fifteen. These members select a chairman among themselves. At present there are nine Union Councils in the district: Awaran, Teertage, Gashkore, Parwar, Mashkai, Bucer, Camp Jhao and Korak Jhao. Major sources of income of the Union Councils are local taxes and government funds. In the area, the Union Councils have very limited resources due to limited economic activities.

4.3.2 Town Committee
No Town Committee exists in Awaran district.

4.3.3 Municipal Committee
At present (1997), there is no Municipal Committee in the district.

4.3.4 District Council
No District Council exists in Awaran district.

4.4 Federal/Provincial Government Administration
The district administration is directly under the control of the provincial government, through the Deputy Commissioner who supervises activities of all the departments. Heads of the various departments are bound to report their departmental progress to the Deputy Commissioner. In Awaran no federal government department is functioning. Most of the departments of Awaran district are stationed at Khuzdar.

4.5 Maintenance of Law and Order
In order to maintain law and order in the district the levies and Makran Scouts control the district. In the district three levies thanas (posts) are functioning with a strength of 95 levies personnel. Law and order situation in the district is normal. The levies force is directly under the control of the Deputy Commissioner through the Assistant Commissioner and the Tehsildars. Makran Scouts are also serving in the district. Locals and foreigners can move freely in the district. The levies consists of Rasaldars, Jamadars, Dafadars, Hawaldar, Sawars, and other supportive staff including assistants, clerks, and drivers.

Justice is delivered through regular as well as Qazi courts. The regular courts decide the cases according to the criminal and civil laws applicable throughout the country while the Qazi court makes decisions according to the Shariah laws as well as Qanun Diwan-I-Kalat.

4.6 Revenue Administration
Awaran is one of the poorest districts of the province. It is deprived of roads, communications and other socio-economic development. Due to lack of these basic facilities the economic activities and income of local bodies are limited. The income of the local bodies is not enough to serve the purpose of development in any sector.
 

4.7 Political Parties
The major political parties in the area are Balochistan National Party (BNP), Balochistan National Movement (BNM) and Jamiat-ul-Ulma-e-Islam (JUI-F). In the educational institutions, particularly in madrassas Jamiat Talaba-e-Islam (JTI) is playing an active role. Women participation in politics was not observed in the district. There is no representation of women in any political party from the area. The results of the last elections show that BNP is the most popular political party.

4.8 Non Government Organisations
NGOs play a leading role towards solving the socio-economic problems and socio-cultural development of the people at grass root level. In district Awaran no NGO is functioning, however, some Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are working in the area. Recently the Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) has involved the CBOs in some developmental programmes in the district, such as development of feeder roads and irrigation schemes.

GO/NGO/Private Enterprise coverage of major sectors
The district has very limited socio-economic activities. The involvement of GO/NGO and Private enterprise is also very limited. 
 

4.9 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Awaran is a recently designated district which lacks most of the government offices which are still located at Khuzdar. This phenomenon poses the same problems to the people which they were facing prior to declaration of Awaran as a district. In case offices are located at Awaran, absenteeism is a recurring practice. Co-ordination is a rare characteristic among various government organisations.

The Union Councils are the only local government institutions in the district and their role is limited, mainly because of financial dependency. The ideal of grass-root participation in development activities cannot be achieved until these institutions are not strengthened, financially as well as administratively.

The overall law and order situation is good in the district, however, easy availability of firearms and lack of proper control has given rise to crimes. Revenue collection is a difficult task here as a tax culture is non-existent.

At present no NGO is working in the area. The people can be motivated for self help in development programmes through the existing CBOs. Women participation in such activities is minimal.

5. Productive Sectors
The activities in the productive sector in Awaran district are very limited. Agriculture is the major sector of economic activity in Awaran as 70 percent population is involved in this sector while 25 percent is engaged in livestock and 5 percent in trade and transportation.

5.1 Agriculture / Horticulture
5.1.1 Introduction
The agricultural characteristics of Awaran are similar to those of Panjgur, Kharan, and Chaghi district. Wheat is the principal crop on which population of the district depends. In the north-west area of Mashkai most of the people consume dates or grain. Wheat is supplied from Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Quetta. The major Rabi crops of the district include wheat and barley. Kharif corps in the area produce fruit and pulses. Fodder and vegetables are cultivated in the area throughout the year. The agricultural production in the district is very limited. In 1995-96, wheat was cultivated on 1,720 hectares of land and the production was 1,148 tonnes. Barley was grown on 7,118 hectares, with a production of 6,708 tonnes. Fruit was cultivated only in 40 hectares and the production was 80 tonnes. Fodder and vegetable were in 200 and 50 hectares and production was 62 and 223 tonnes respectively.

Men and women both work in the agriculture sector. Generally the land owner himself cultivate the land while big landowners employ tenants for their lands.

5.1.2 Classification of Land
The total arable area of the district is 71,520 hectares which is merely 3.3 percent of the whole geographical area. The irrigated area is 57,932 hectares and un-irrigated is 13,588 hectares. Culturable waste is 16,092 hectares which is a challenge for the Agriculture Department. See also paragraph 1.1.

5.1.3 Land Ownership and Tenure System
In Awaran only a few big land owners possess agricultural land. They give the land on lease or on contract for cultivation on the basis of equal distribution of crops to the tenants. Small land owners cultivate the land by themselves with the help of their family members. The women also assist the men in harvesting activities. Some land owners hire the labourers on permanent basis for cultivation, but they pay very small wages to these labourers.

5.1.4 Agricultural Statistics
The agricultural statistics are collected by the Agriculture Department at union Council level. A Field Assistant carries out this job. In district Awaran the agricultural statistics do not cover all the sectors of production, as it is very difficult to collect statistics in remote areas. Moreover, the data of Awaran as a separate district have not yet been published in the Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan. The only source of such information is still the Agriculture Officer, Khuzdar. The data are available for 25,688 hectares only while the total arable land is 71,520 hectares.
 

5.1.5 Cropping Pattern
The entire district depends upon single cropping due to the lack of irrigation water. Vegetables and fodder are the regular crops cultivated throughout the year. Dates of fine quality are a major fruit of the area. However in the areas where tubewells have been installed, the land owners are engaged in various types of cropping activities. Wheat, barley, and dates are the main crops of the area.

5.1.6 Average Yields / Total production
The average yield of agricultural produce is not good enough to give considerable monetary benefit to the farmers. The main reason is the irregular pattern of rainfall and lack of irrigation facilities. No time series data are available about the total production and average yield of different crops.

5.1.7 Organisation of Production/Farming Systems
In Awaran, land is cultivated by using old traditional methods. However, mechanical cultivation and the use of fertilisers and better seeds are becoming popular. The use of these modern techniques is still limited. Tractors are being used by the big land owners. The entire families of the farmers get involved in agricultural activities. The women and children work for instance during the processing, cleaning, and packing of dates.

5.1.8 Irrigation
According to the statistics, the majority (72%) of the arable land is irrigated by flood water. Tube wells irrigate only 2 percent of the arable land. By constructing the proposed dams in Mashkai tehsil area, the irrigation system can be improved in the area.
 

Map of agro-ecological zones of Balochistan

5.1.9 Agricultural Mechanisation
Agricultural mechanisation is on its way in the district. Tractors are being used in cultivation and sowing of crops. However, only the big land owners have tractors. The small farmers use traditional systems for agricultural activities.

5.1.10 Agricultural / Horticultural inputs
Chemical fertilisers are used in limited quantities, but no figures are available. The use of pesticides to protect the crops is also limited. The role of the Agriculture Department is minimal due to unavailability of funds.

5.1.11 Marketing
No formal marketing network exists in the district. Most of the production is consumed locally. Only dates are exported to Quetta and Karachi. People directly sell their products in the market.

5.1.12 Producer and Consumer Prices of major Crops
In Awaran prices are not fixed for agricultural products. The prices fixed by the Union Council are not effective in the market. Most of the prices depend upon crops production and the principle of demand and supply. Grain production of the district does not meet the requirements of the area. The district depends on the supply from the Food Department. Generally the price of dates is fixed at the Karachi market through commission agents.

5.1.13 Levels of Income
The agricultural production in the area is very limited due to which the level of income is minimal. The average yield of cash crops like wheat and vegetables is low. The level of income can be raised by the development of irrigation systems and new technology in the agriculture sector. No proper statistics are available regarding the level of income in the district.

5.1.14 Department of Agricultural Extension
The major function of the Agricultural Extension Department is to provide technical knowledge to the farmers for agricultural development. In Awaran, activities of the Agricultural Extension Department are very limited. It provides its services only to big land owners while small land owners are not being served by the Department.

5.1.15 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Agricultural Development
The major support in agriculture is provided by the provincial government and private enterprise. 

5.1.16 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Awaran has much potential in the production of dates of fine quality. In this sector research can be done. The major problem in this sector is the lack of co-operation among farmers, land owners, and the Agriculture Department. In the areas where water resources are available, the production is better. It means that the irrigation sector also requires attention of the authorities. Rain water can be stored by construction of dams in the area. All these activities are possible when adequate road links are available. The tribal chiefs do not favour development of the area as this will negatively affect their authority and monopoly.

Women are allied workers in many agricultural activities but their labour is unaccounted for and, hence, unpaid.

5.2 Livestock
5.2.1 Introduction
Livestock is also a very important sector of economy. It is the main source of income for nomadic families. They involve their women and children in the rearing of livestock. Women take care of feeding the livestock, cleaning the abodes, and even in providing traditional cures from diseases. They are further involved in milking and milk processing, poultry, and egg selling. No recent livestock statistics are available at the district level. At present, no government owned dairy farm exists in the district.
 

5.2.2 Cattle
Cows are the most kept cattle species in the area. The people keep the livestock as a traditional activity. They are not concerned about pasture and other requirements. This sector has been neglected by the government and there is no co-ordination between the livestock farmers and the government.

5.2.3 Small Ruminants
The majority of people own herds of small ruminants. It is the major source of their income. Every household keeps four to five heads in their houses. Goat herds are relatively larger comprising 100 to 150 heads. The sheep herds are smaller comprising about 80 to 100 sheep. Livestock farming is the sole economic activity for many families. Sometimes women and children graze their herds.

5.2.4 Poultry
Poultry farming is a domestic activity in Awaran. No government or private poultry farm exists in the district. The district has much potential in poultry farming if technical guidance and financial assistance is provided to the interested people. Women may also be involved in poultry farming at small scale. This will supplement their income.

5.2.5 Disease Control
The common diseases in poultry are rani khet and new castle. There is no co-ordination between the poultry keepers and the Livestock Department for control of the poultry diseases. In goats and sheep, sheep pox, contagious caporian, and pluro-pneumonia are encountered, while among camel and donkeys diseases like equity quick and square are reported.

5.2.6 Veterinary Institutions
In Awaran district no veterinary institute exists to provide training to the people regarding livestock. Only two veterinary hospitals are functioning in the district. The Livestock Department also provides mobile services for the treatment of livestock in remote areas.

5.2.7 Department of Livestock Development
In Awaran the Department of Livestock is headed by an Assistant Director. The department is facing financial problems in providing services to the remote areas of the district.

5.2.8 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Livestock Development
The Department of Livestock, under the provincial government, is providing very limited service to the people.  

5.2.9 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The promotion of livestock is possible only through active co-operation of people involved in the livestock activities. Regular training on growing small ruminants and poultry is needed. Co-ordination between livestock, agricultural, and financial institutions is also necessary for the development of the livestock sector.

Women’s involvement in the livestock sector needs to be enhanced by giving them training and by initiating credit schemes for raising small ruminants and poultry.

5.3 Fisheries
In Awaran no activities worth mentioning exist in Fisheries. Fish is found in the Hingol river in limited quantities only. The Department of Fisheries does not exist in the district.
 

 
5.4 Forestry
5.4.1 Introduction
No state forest is reported in Awaran. However, the Department of Forest has planted 18,700 saplings on the land that is under the Department’s control. Moreover, 2,500 saplings have been distributed to the general public for planting and 7,900 saplings have been planted by the other government agencies. In this way an attempt has been made to achieve a plantation target of 30,000 saplings for 1996.

5.4.2 Major Vegetation
When compared with other districts there is less vegetation in the Awaran district. There are no forests and the trees are few and scanty; the date-palm trees are the most common. A few wild fig trees exist here and there in the hills and tamarix and willows are found in the Mashkai tehsil. The plants of the lower region are Otostegia Auohesi and Pyonotheco Spinosa. A spiny bush, Convolvulus Spinosus, is very common in the district.

5.4.3 Wildlife
According to the wildlife map, Sind ibex (Capra hircus) and chinkara (Gazella Gazella Bennetti) are found in Awaran district, but rarely. The species which have been declared endangered include the Balochistan black bear, urial (Ovis Orientalis), Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis Undulata Macqueenil), and Sand-grouses. The red fox (Vulvas Vulvas) and grey partridge are commonly found animals.

5.4.4 Bee-keeping
Only wild honey is locally used in the district and bee-keeping is not reported anywhere in Awaran.

5.4.5 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Forestry Development
 

5.4.6 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Forestry is a neglected sector in Awaran which needs attention of the Forest Department. The public can be motivated for tree plantation. Several wildlife species have been declared endangered and may become extinct if proper and vigilant measures are not taken.

5.5 Mining
5.5.1 Introduction
Mining is an important sector in Balochistan, but no mining activity is in progress in Awaran. According to the geologists, mineral deposits are there but exploitation of these minerals is not economically feasible. Due to the unavailability of infrastructure and communication facilities, no progress has been made in mineral exploration. It is reported by the people that some influential persons are engaged in mining asbestos, barite, and building stones without any licence.

5.5.2 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Mining
The government is not involved in any mining activity. A few persons are involved in mining on small scale without obtaining any lease from the government.
 

 
5.5.3 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Mineral exploration, followed by exploitation, can not only provide employment to the local population, but could also benefit the country as whole.

5.6 Industry and Manufacturing
5.6.1 Introduction
Not a single industry is functioning in the district. There are only twenty general shops, five cottage hotels and a few vegetable shops at Awaran. The situation at Jhal Jhao and Mashkai is similar.
 

5.6.2 Trade (import/export)
A small quantity of dates is exported to Karachi and Quetta while almost all the consumer items are imported from Karachi, Quetta, and Turbat.

5.6.3 Tourism
There is no place of tourist attraction in the district. Only a few hut restaurants can be found at Awaran, Jhal Jhao, and Mashkai, providing meals and tea.

5.6.4 Handicrafts
The women are involved in embroidery at domestic level. However a few women also do embroidery at a more commercial level. They sell their work to middlemen at a very low price. These middle men subsequently sell the work in Karachi and Quetta, making huge profits. Due to the absence of small industry, manufacturing, and marketing the women’s skills are being exploited. No statistics are available in this connection, as is often the case with female contribution to economic activities.

5.6.5 Department of Industries
The Department of Industries does not exist in the district.

5.6.6 GO/NGO/SME, etc. involvement in Industrial Development
Hardly any attention has been paid in this sector by any organisation. Federal government is minimally involved in providing credit facilities to this sector
 

5.6.7 Conclusion and major Development Issues
No industrial unit is functioning in the area. The district lacks infrastructure and other basic services which badly affects the industrial development and investment. Trade activities are import-oriented and no significant export of goods is reported in the district.

Women of the district are involved in embroidery work which is at domestic level only. This activity can be organised as a cottage industry if proper training and a marketing network is provided to these craftswomen. This will not only empower the women economically but also help the local economy.

6. Economic Infrastructure and Communications
6.1 Introduction
It is universally accepted that communication is the backbone of socio-economic development of any area. Awaran, however, is totally deprived of roads, transportation, communication, and even electricity. In this situation development activities cannot really be carried out for the prosperity of the area and the people.

6.2 Roads
No black topped (metalled) roads exist in the entire district. Keeping in view the total geographical area of the district, the length of shingle roads (584 km) seems quite insufficient.
 

6.3 Transport
Two buses ply between Awaran and Karachi, while twelve pass through the area plying between Turbat and Karachi and between Gwadar, Turbat, and Khuzdar. Only a few vehicles were seen at Awaran, Jhal Jhao and Mashkai while a number of motorcycles belonging to the local people, were observed without registration numbers and there was no check on these motorcycles. The vehicles are registered at Lasbela, Khuzdar, and Karachi.

6.4 Rail- and Airways

No rail or air service is available in the district.

6.5 Radio and Television
No television booster is functioning in the area, hence the people are unable to watch Pakistan’s television programmes. The nearest radio station is at Turbat but its range is very limited. Cassette players and radio sets are very common in the district. People listen to radio and cassettes of their choice. Only a few houses have television sets and, necessarily, satellite receivers.

6.6 Telecommunications
The district is connected to other parts of the country through telephone and telegraph. Previously there was a manual exchange providing a trunk call facility. The new auto- exchange buildings have been completed with a direct dialling system at Awaran and Mashkai with 400 lines at each place. It was informed by the telephone authorities that these new exchanges will start functioning by the end of June 1997. At present 180 telephone connections have been provided to the subscribers while more then 700 applications are pending approval.

6.7 Post Offices / Courier Services
There are only three post offices in the entire district at Mashkai, Cash Koo, and Awaran. No courier service exists in the district. The Post Office is a regular department of the federal government.

6.8 Banking/Financial Institutions
The banking facilities in the area are very limited. Only two branches of United Bank Limited (UBL) are functioning at Awaran and Mashkai. These branches are providing all the commercial banking facilities to the public. One Branch of Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) is also functioning at Awaran to provide loan facilities to the farmers for agricultural development in the area. No special banking provisions exist for women in the area.

6.9 Electricity and Gas
At present the entire district is deprived of electricity and gas supply through pipelines. A few houses were observed to have their own diesel generators for electricity generation. The WAPDA has completed a survey for electricity provision to Awaran in the last year. It is expected that by the end of 1998 Awaran will be connected to the Turbat grid and receive electricity.

6.10 Rest Houses
There are five rest houses in the district. Visitors and officials can stay there with the permission of concerned authorities. Most of the rest houses are not comfortable and basic facilities are not available.
 

Telecommunication building at Awaran         6.11 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Energy, Transport and Communications Development
The condition of the infrastructure is very bad in this district, with no attention being paid in this sector. Federal as well as provincial government organisations are involved in provision of infrastructure facilities.

6.12 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Economic infrastructure and communication services are highly deficient in the district. Not a single kilometre of metalled road exists in Awaran. Rail- and airways are also non-existent. However, the district is connected to other parts of the province through shingle roads. Electricity, a prerequisite of industrial and agricultural development, is not available in the whole district.

The district is out of range of the transmission of the Radio Pakistan and the Pakistan Television. Telecommunication facilities are available to a fraction of the population only. Postal and banking services are not up to a satisfactory level.

It is imperative to develop economic infrastructure and communications in the district if the real benefits of establishment of a new district have to be transferred to the grass-root level. Otherwise this move will just satisfy some ulterior political motives.

7. Social Infrastructure
7.1 Water Supply
Availability of drinking water is one of the major problems in Awaran. Potable water is not adequately available to the whole population. Water is obtained through hand pumps, water tanks, open surface wells, and rivers. Presently 25 water supply schemes of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) cover, according to the PHED source, almost two thirds (60.7%) of the population while another 9 schemes are under construction. However this claim seems unreliable in the light of personal observations. Water obtained by the remainder of the population, from open surface wells and rivers, is unhygienic. The LG&RDD, with the help of UNICEF, has installed 109 deep well hand pumps at Awaran and 25 at Jhal Jhao. Hand pumps are provided on self help basis. The material was provided by the LG&RDD while installation and maintenance is the responsibility of the community.

7.1.1 Drinking Water
Potable drinking water is a major issue in the area. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Local Government & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD), and Union Councils have tried to overcome the problem. At present 60.7 percent of the population is being provided drinking water. In the remote areas, water tanks have been constructed, from where women and children fetch water and take it home on donkeys. In Awaran, Mashkai, and Jhal Jhao the water supply schemes do not function properly. People are totally dissatisfied with these schemes.

7.1.2 Drinking Water Supply Administration
The water supply administration comes under the control of PHED. After completing the the schemes, the projects are handed over to the community for maintenance and operation. LG&RDD’s Water and Sanitation Cell is assisting the community in the installation of hand pumps (on self help basis) from where the people can fetch water easily. The people are dissatisfied with the present services of water supply. According to the records of PHED the water supply schemes have the capacity to serve 60.7 percent of the total population. However, these estimates seem incorrect when keeping in view the actual availability of drinking water to the population.

7.1.3 Ground Water Sub-sector
No research or investigation has been conducted in this sector. According to the public statements, water is available at a very deep levels and the cost of water resources exploitation is very high.

7.1.4. Sanitation
No sanitation scheme exists in the district. People use traditional methods. PHED is planning to solve the sanitation problem of the area so that better environmental conditions may be provided to the people. Supply of water is one the major hurdles in improving sanitary conditions. People dump their garbage in the corner of the streets and no channels have been constructed for sewerage water.

7.1.5 Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department
The Public Health Engineering Department, Awaran is a sub-office of PHED, Khuzdar. It is providing water supply services in the area. Its services cover about 60.7 percent of the population. The water supply is not regular due to the unavailability of electricity. Diesel engines are used to obtain water, which is an expensive method.

7.1.6 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Water Supply Development
 

7.1.7 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Unavailability of water is a major problem in the area. The performance of the water supply schemes is not satisfactory. This sector is underdeveloped due to unavailability of electricity. Lack of funds is also a problem. The sanitation facilities are non-existent.

7.2 Health
7.2.1 Introduction
The health facilities in Awaran district present a very bad picture. Not a single hospital is functioning in the area. There is not a single lady medical officer posted in the district.
 

7.2.2 Health System
In Awaran, health services are provided through 5 Basic Health Units (BHUs), 2 Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and 9 civil dispensaries. In addition there are 2 Sub Health Centres and one Mother Child Healthcare Centre. These units function under the direct supervision of a District Health Officer (DHO), whose post is lying vacant at present. Private clinics are also serving at Awaran, Mashkai, and Jhal Jhao. Many people go to faith healers and saints for treatments, specially in the areas where no health facility exists.

7.2.3 Major Disease Incidence
In Awaran, the disease pattern is seasonal. In summer malaria, gastrointestinal diseases, gripes, and dysentery are very common. Eye diseases are also reported. In winter, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), jaundice, and tuberculosis are observed. The main causes of these disease are unhygienic living conditions, unavailability of safe drinking water, and lack of awareness about the diseases. Paediatric diseases in Awaran include diarrhoea and ARI.

7.2.4 Special Health Services
Special Health Services are provided in the area through medical camps arranged by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in collaboration with the Health Department. The Prime Minster’s Programme for Basic Health and Family Planning could not be launched due to unavailability of educated girls. Moreover, parents do not allow their daughters to work in this field.

7.2.5 Administration of Health Services
The health administration is a task of the District Health Officer (DHO). All the BHUs, RHCs, and MCHCs function under his control. A Senior Medical Officer supervises the Rural Health Centre.

7.2.6 GO/NGO/private, etc. involvement in Health Development
 

Rural Health Centre with limited facilities        

A view of Awaran

7.2.7 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The district is very much deprived of health services. Even at the district headquarters only a Rural Health Centre is functioning with very limited resources. No hospital or other secondary health care facility exists in the entire district. No lady doctor is available in the district. The mortality rate is very high, though not officially reported . Eye diseases, malaria, jaundice, diarrhoea and tuberculosis are very common. The present health facilities do not fulfil the requirements of the area. The major reasons include the lack of funds and unavailability of senior medical staff. The issues can be solved by providing funds and appointing doctors in the health centres.

Awaran is a district where it is hard to talk about women’s health concerns separately because the situation is equally grim for men and women. Absence of a lady doctor and the fact that the PM’s Programme for Primary Health Care and Family Planning does not function in this area, considerably contribute to the fear that women’s (and children’s) health is absolutely threatened.

7.3 Education
7.3.1 Introduction
It is generally recognised that education plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the society. Unfortunately educational facilities are very limited in Awaran. The education sector in the area is very much neglected due to unavailability of teachers, female teachers in particular. This is a major problem in this sector. The literacy rate is very low. One model school for girls is functioning at Awaran. Its services are comparatively better than other schools. Female students are enrolled in the boys middle and high schools due to unavailability of separate girls school.
 

7.3.2 Government School System
In Awaran all the schools are owned by the provincial government. At district level, a District Education Officer (DEO) supervises the activities of all the schools. The schools can be divided into three categories: primary, middle, and high. There used to be mosque schools in the district but now these schools have been given the status of primary schools.

7.3.3 Primary Schools
The primary schools comprise six classes up to grade 5: Kachi, Pakki, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th. It has been observed that many schools have been established on political grounds and the teachers were also appointed on political basis. The majority of teachers are not working regularly though they maintain an attendance register to show their regular presence in the school. In each class there are about 25 to 30 students. It has also been observed that some school buildings are used by influential persons of the area. At present there are 160 boys and 20 girls primary schools in Awaran district. The overall satisfaction level about primary school education is low.

Apart from government primary schools, one primary school is functioning in the private sector.

7.3.4 Vocational Training
No vocational training institution exists at present in the district. There is much demand for a vocational institute to train the youths in various trades.

7.3.5 Middle Schools
There are 13 boys’ middle schools in the district but not a single regular middle school for girls. Only a model middle school for girls is functioning at Awaran, providing satisfactory education. The standard of this school is comparatively better than the other government middle schools. Most of the boys middle schools have enrolled girls as their students. A middle school comprises 4 to 8 rooms.

7.3.6 High Schools
There are only 10 boys’ high schools and not a single girls’ high school. The girl students are compelled to take admission in the boys high schools for getting secondary education. Ideally, the building of a high school comprises 5 to 8 rooms.

7.3.7 Intermediate College
No college exists in Awaran district.

7.3.8 School Administration
All the primary, middle, and high schools are supervised by a Head Master. In most of the primary schools only two teachers are posted, one of them functioning as Head Master. In middle and high schools this job is assigned to a senior teacher having the administrative knowledge.

7.3.9 School Buildings
The school building of a primary school comprises two rooms and a veranda. No toilet facility is available in these schools. The construction of buildings is very poor. There are many shelterless primary schools in the district where students have to sit under the sky. The buildings of middle and high schools are in a slightly better condition. They have a veranda and compound walls. Toilet facilities are also available in these schools. These buildings are properly maintained.

Map: Distribution of Schools in Awaran

7.3.10 GO/NGO/private, etc. involvement in Education Development
All the schools in the area are under the control of the Department of Education. Only one primary school is functioning in the private sector at Awaran.
 

7.3.11 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Education is one of the most powerful instruments of socio-cultural change. Awaran district has very limited educational opportunities, specially for girls. It was observed that most of the teachers are untrained and unqualified. Their appointment, in most of the cases, has been made on political grounds. Similarly the location of a many a schools is selected on political basis without proper planning. There is no proper supervisory and guidance system for schools. Most of the teachers are engaged in other activities and visit their school occasionally. This attitude of teachers reduces interest among the students and, consequently, they are less interested in attending school. Establishment of Parents, Teachers, and Students Association (PTSA) can help improving the deteriorating standard of education. Proper teacher training and an incentive system are urgently called for.

There is no college in the district nor a vocational training institute. Therefore the youth of the district is facing problems in getting higher education. There is no high school for girls and the only girls middle school is at Awaran, hence, depriving the girls of equal educational opportunities. This may be one of the major reasons for unavailability of educated girls for the PM’s Programme for Primary Health Care and Family Planning. Also for opening new schools educated women would be necessary.

7.4 Sports
7.4.1 Introduction
The sports activities in Awaran are very limited. Generally indigenous sports are played in the district. In these activities, hide and seek and stone-throwing are very common. Organised sports activities such as cricket and hockey are not popular in the area. However football is a most popular game among the youths. There is no play ground in the district. People use the open grounds for their sports activities.

7.4.2 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Sports Development
There is no sports activity in the district organised by any government organisation. Even at school level there are no organised opportunities for sports. Limited sports activities are arranged by the public as a private initiative.
 

7.4.3 Conclusion and major Development Issues
In Awaran, no formal sports opportunities exist. The youth of the area has much potential in sports but without proper guidance and training it is very difficult to carry out such activities. No NGO exists in the district. There is a dire need to organise the people to actively take part in sports. The major issues in this sector are poverty, lack of organisation, and an apathetic attitude of the government.

8. District Accounts and Development Funds
8.1 District Accounts
Awaran is a new district, notified on 11^th November 1992. The Treasury Office has not yet been established at Awaran and the Treasury Office in Khuzdar handles the accounts of Awaran district. No separate income and expenditure statements of Awaran are available.

The income of Awaran is very limited and all the developmental as well as recurrent expenditures are met with financial assistance of the provincial government

8.2 Development Funds
Most of the development activities in the district are funded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Development funds from federal and provincial resources are only partly administered at the district level. The local government institutions either do not have financial independence or they have limited income resources. Major development activities are directly administered from provincial level and it is sometimes hard to trace accurately which part specifically benefits the Awaran district. Moreover, in case of block allocations at the provincial level, accurate break-down at the district level is not possible. The following statistics are only regarding those funds which were specifically earmarked for Awaran district.

In 1995-96, a total amount of 4.662 million rupees was allocated for development activities under the revised Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in water supply schemes, college education, and primary health care sectors. This amount was earmarked for completion of 4 ongoing schemes. No new scheme was proposed in this budget while the ongoing schemes included construction of 2 water supply schemes at Killi Pirandar and Koharo Jhao, construction of an intermediate college at Awaran, and construction of an office and residence for the District Health Officer. For the year 1996-97, the total revised PSDP allocation was 1.3 million rupees for 3 ongoing development schemes. All the previous allocations have been made through national resources and no Foreign Project Assistance (FPA) has been involved in this regard in these years.

The current PSDP (1997-98) shows a total allocation of Rs. 17.2 million, including a foreign component of Rs. 3.2 million, for 12 schemes. These figures have to be treated however with some caution, because it is not certain that all the required PSDP funds can indeed be made available. The health sector under SAP takes the biggest share (Rs. 5.9 million), followed by college and secondary education (Rs. 4.45 million), irrigation (Rs 3.36 million) and primary education (Rs. 3.17 million). The SAP-sectors combined would receive 55% of the total allocation.

9. The District in comparison to Balochistan
The data and other information provided so far in this District Profile were focused on the situation in Awaran district. No comparison was made to the situation in other districts or to the situation in Balochistan as a whole. To add that perspective, 32 indicators have been selected on which the districts can be compared. These indicators can be found in the table on the following two pages. Each district can be ranked on each of the indicators. The relative position of Awaran is given in the diagram on the third page. It is a bottom-up ranking: position number 1 reflects the lowest score on the indicator concerned while position number 26 means the highest score. An overall ranking of districts is not given, because that would require to attach certain weights to each of the indicators.  

• Awaran district has the fifth biggest area among the districts in the province, with a population which is the 8th lowest. Hence, the district is one of the least densely populated districts. The estimated population growth takes a position in the middle.

• No comparisons can be made with regard to agricultural production, because figures that give a more or less complete picture of Awaran do not exist. The total production will most likely score among the lowest half of the districts in the province, while the yields are substantially less than in many other areas.

• The few available indicators on livestock demonstrate the importance of that sector for the district. Especially with regard to the total value of the livestock related produce, the district scores high.

• The district takes a position in the lower half as far as enrolment for boys and girls is concerned, while the pupil/teacher ratio is among the highest in the province. 

• The health infrastructure is particularly backward. Both on the population per bed and population per doctor indicator, the district belongs to the top five in Balochistan. 

• Awaran takes a middle position with regard to coverage of the population with drinking water supply. 

• The road network is the worst in the province: there is not a single kilometre of metalled road, while the density (length per square kilometre) of shingle roads is the third lowest.

Overview of socio-economic indicators for all districts in Balochistan

Overview of socio-economic indicators for all districts in Balochistan (cont.)

Socio-economic bottom-up ranking of Awaran district in reference to Balochistan

10. Conclusions: Potential and Constraints
Awaran is a new district which started functioning on 11^th November 1992. It is one of the most undeveloped areas of Balochistan. Most of the government offices are located at Khuzdar. There is hardly any reliable data available, exclusively for the district.
 
It is clearly visible that the entire population, to a lesser or great degree, is deprived of basic facilities of life. It makes one wonder which issue to raise as each sector and each person of the population – men, women, and children – need immediate and positive action. Generally the people are very poor. They state lack of roads, communications, and social infrastructure as the reasons for their poverty. Awaran did not yet benefit from the fact that it has become a separate district. The income from the district is very limited. The fund for development programmes is provided by the provincial government.

The Awaran-Lasbela road is a major development programme. It has top priority with the government, in response to the public demand. The federal government is also assisting this project.

To solve the problem of potable water, the Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) is assisting the community in installation of deep well hand pumps on self help basis. The PHED is also working on construction of water supply schemes for this purpose.

Recently WAPDA has completed a survey to supply electricity to Awaran through a 132 kV transmission line from Turbat. After regular electricity supply is made available, it can be hoped that irrigation water can be obtained through tube wells and small enterprises could be developed.

The area has great potential in the livestock and agriculture sectors. There is an intense need for exploitation of more agricultural land. If the basic know-how and financial assistance are provided, these sectors can develop significantly. The increase in per capita income can result in increased economic activities which, consequently, will lead to social uplift of the area.

Although both men and women are suffering from the low socio-economic scenario in Awaran, women are the most neglected stratum of the society here. Educational facilities are limited, for the most part, up to primary level. The highest educational facility for the girls of Awaran is middle school, of which there is only one. As a women-exclusive health facility only one Mother Child Health Care Centre can be mentioned. Absence of a lady doctor is a serious health issue for the women of Awaran district.

    Annexes

Annex 1.
List of Names of all Union Councils and Tehsils

Annex 2.
Population Figures Census 1981 and Projected Figures 1995

Population 1951, 1961, 1972, 1981, and 1995
 

 
Population Growth Trends 

Annex 3.
Meteorological Data
Rainfall (mm)
 

Mean Maximum Temperature (°C)
 

 
Mean Minimum Temperature (°C)
 

 
Annex 4.
Functions of Local Government
Functions of District Councils
The Balochistan Local Government Ordinance identifies a number of functions in relation to identification, appraisal, implementation and monitoring of development of the various local councils, the District Council being one of them. See the local government structure of Balochistan underneath:

Figure 1: Balochistan Local Government Structure

Although in reality the District Council does not function according to the Ordinance, an extract of the functions of the District Council in relation to the various sectors is given underneath in alphabetical order to indicate the background of their interest in the DPI.:

Agricultural Development and Economic Welfare
1.    Agricultural, industrial and community development
2.    Promotion of national reconstruction
3.    Promotion and development of:

• co-operative movement
• village/cottage industry

4.    Adoption of measures for increased agricultural production
5.    Establishment and maintenance of model agricultural farms
6.    Popularisation of improved methods of agriculture
7.    Maintenance of improved agriculture implements and machinery and lending of such implements and machinery to cultivators
8.    Adoption of measures for bringing waste land under cultivation
9.    Promotion of:

• agricultural credit
• agricultural education

10.    Promotion and co-ordination with Agroville
11.    Provision, regulation and maintenance of markets
12.    Promotion of education in co-ordination
13.    Construction and repair of embankment supply, storage and control of water for agricultural purposes
 
Culture
1.    Holding of fairs and shows
2.    Promotion of public games and sports
3.    Provision, organisation and maintenance of museums, exhibitions & arts galleries
4.    Provision and maintenance of public halls, public meeting places and community
        centres
5.    Celebration of national occasions
6.    Establishment, management and maintenance of Welfare Homes and other
       institutions for the relief of the destitute
7.    Suppression of:

• beggary
• prostitution,
• gambling,
• taking of injurious drugs,
• consumption of alcoholic drinks
• and other social evils

8.    Establishment and maintenance of Information Centres
9.    Encouragement of national and regional languages
10.  Provision and maintenance of libraries and reading rooms

Education
1.    Provision, maintenance and management of Primary Schools
2.    Construction and maintenance of buildings as hostels of students
3.    Payment of grants and subsidies to institutions and organisations engaged in the
       promotion of education
4.    Promotion of adult education
 
Livestock and Dairy Development
1.    Voluntary registration of the sale of cattle and other animals
2.    Prevention of cruelty to animals
3.    Measures to combat ordinary and contagious diseases of birds & animals
4.    Provision, maintenance and improvement of pastures and grazing grounds
5.    Regulation of milk supply
6.    Establishment and maintenance of cattle colonies
 
Public Health
1.    Prevention and cure of infectious diseases and enforcement of vaccination
2.    Establishment, maintenance and management of:

• hospitals
• rural health centres

3.    Establishment, maintenance and management of First Aid Centres
4.    Provision and maintenance of Medical Aid Units
5.    Establishment, management and visiting of

• health centres
• maternity centres
• centres for the welfare of infants and children

6.    Training of Dais and adoption of other measures likely to promote health and
        welfare of women, infant and children
7.    Payment of grants to medical aid societies and institutions
8.    Establishment, management, maintenance and the visiting of Unani, Ayurvedic
       and Homeopathic dispensaries
9.    Promotion of sanitation, public health & educating people in public health
10.  Protection of food stuff
11.  Prevention of adulteration
12.  Provision and maintenance of adequate system of public drains
13.  Regulation of the disposal of industrial wastes
 
Public Safety
1.    Relief measures in the event of any:

• fire,
• flood,
• hail storm,
• earth quake,
• famine
• and other natural calamities

Public Works
1.    Provision, maintenance, improvement and management of its

• public roads, public streets, public ways
• culverts, bridges,
• public buildings, walls,
• water pumps, tanks, ponds and other works of water supply

2.    Provision, maintenance and management of

• sarais, dak bungalows, rest houses and other buildings for the convenience of travellers

3.    Plantation and preservation of trees on roads sides, public ways, public places
       and public buildings

4.    Provision and maintenance of public gardens, public playgrounds and public places

Regulation through bye-laws

1.    Collection and removal of manure and street sweepings
2.    Disposal of industrial waste
3.    Offensive and dangerous trades
4.    Disposal of carcasses
5.    Slaughter of animals
6.    Registration of birth, death and marriage
7.    Registration of sale of cattle and other animals
8.    Registration of brick kilns, lime kilns, potteries, etc.
9.    Registration of dyeing or tanning of skins
10.  Regulation for grant of licences, sanctions, levy of licences fee and permission
       thereof

Rural development
1.    Aggregation of financial allocation, physical programs and targets received from the Provincial Government in different sectors and draw up a District Development Programme. In this work the Council will take into account Federal Projects, their allocations and the physical targets falling in or benefiting the districts. (Generally the organisation may develop and take on complete planning functions)

2.    To propose/submit, if necessary, to the Local Government and Rural development Department for modifications in the aggregate district programs after identifying the:

• gaps
• internal inconsistencies
• compatibility of the programme with capacity available in the District implementation, maintenance and supervision
• evaluating in the light of the local priorities

3.    To facilitate the formation of associations for the performance of tasks that can be done/performed collectively, e.g.:

• consumer association for distribution of electricity
• farmers association for water courses management
• associations for distribution of agricultural inputs
• co-operative marketing associations, etc.

4.    To discharge the overall responsibility for the identification, appraisal and approval of projects prepared and to be constructed by Rural Local Councils and Town Committees in the sub-sectors of:

• primary schools
• basic health units
• family welfare clinics
• piped water supply
• potable water/storage tanks
• hand pumps
• sanitation
• rural roads

5.    To propose disbursement of `ADP funds for the approved projects to various Local Councils mentioned above

6.    To take appropriate measures for the development of skills, crafts and cottage industries. Development of skills would include promotion of industrial homes, domestic and cottage level crafts and trades, modest repairs of agricultural and other machinery, training of (un)skilled labour, etc.

7.    To review the implementation of the District Development Programmes (as an extension of the function of the Government and as their agent) by holding review meetings within the district as well as through periodic inspections and progress reports from the lower tiers, etc.

8.    To supervise and submit to the Government regular progress reports on the implementation of Development projects at different levels within the district

9.    To evolve standard designs and specifications to the extent possible and desirable in harmony with the general conditions obtaining in the district and use appropriate technology to execute its development projects on a more economic basis

10.    To monitor the supply of agricultural inputs and to make appropriate recommendations to the concerned authorities

11.    Disseminate information about the projects and allocations of funds for the District Development Programmes throughout the district to keep the people fully informed about the projects to be executed in the district. This will not only mobilise the interest of the people in the development work for the district, but also make them more watchful about the use of development funds by the better community supervision
 
Other functions
1.    Prevention and abatement of:

• nuisances
• encroachment

2.    Regulation of:

• traffic
• licensing of vehicles

3.    Establishment and maintenance of public stands for vehicles in rural areas
 
Annex 5.
List of names of the MPAs, MNAs and Senators
 

Annex 6.
Overview of Post, Telecommunication, Banking
and Rest House Services at Union Council level
 

Legend - Non Exist
            x Exist

Annex 7. Overview of Water Supply Schemes per Union Council level (1997)
 

 
Annex 8. Overview Enrolment Government Primary Schools
                  Number of Students Enrolled in Educational Institutions
 

 
Number of Educational Institutions
 

 
Number of Teachers in Educational Institutions
 

 
Annex 9.
Government Staff Establishment
 

Annex 10.
Some Observations about the Data
The statistical data of Awaran, as quoted and used in this profile, are not only inadequate but contradicting too, every once in a while. Besides that all statistics, used in this profile, are just enumerated, without any basic calculation done in relation to their variance, etc. In addition many other bottlenecks need to be considered too: 

• Meteorological stations are only available in a few places all over the province.

• Geological surveys have not been conducted yet in major parts of the province. 

• A population census has not taken place for the last 16 years. The war in Afghanistan caused enormous migration flows, which not only affected the population figures in the border districts, but those in a number of districts more inward country as well. Currently, however one is dependent on the 1995 projection figures of the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS). 

• Agricultural trends are given in the agricultural statistics, but they are not undisputed either. Per capita value of the agricultural production for 1994-95 has been based on the Quetta whole-sale prices, which - of course - are not valid all over Balochistan, but are just used to give a general indication. 

• Statistics on forestry, range-lands and area for pasture are not reliable as major parts of the province have not yet been reported, from administrative point of view. Herders and their livestock go their own way to find green pastures, whether the area is reported or not. The grazing capacity in accordance with the range-lands is therefore not exactly known either. The figures indicated in the tables only present the known areas, except the livestock density, which is based on the total district area. Given one Livestock Unit per hectare as a sustainable standard, conclusions are to be drawn for areas with a livestock population over 100 LU per sq.km. 

• In the table underneath livestock data have been taken from a preliminary draft of the 1996 livestock projection census of April 1997. Using this very consultancy report the value of the livestock off-take has been calculated per capita on basis of 1996 prices. 

• The official data on mineral exploitation do not have much reference to the reality of mining activities. The statistics concerned only cover the quantities produced, that are officially registered. An uncertified amount of minerals is produced, processed and transported, without any registration with the authorities concerned. 

• Similarly no consistent data are available on e.g. total labour force, unemployment, employment opportunities, etc. in all economic sectors. The available data are either from the 1981 census, or from the official registers. Actual employment figures are just guesswork.

• Data regarding sources of energy and energy consumption are also not available. Therefore issues pertaining to the economic use of scarce resources cannot be analysed properly either. For instance, it is difficult to indicate per district, or per Union Council, what environmental consequences there are of the current use of fuel wood for cooking and heating purposes in reference to future use. 

• In the social sector only - and in particular through BEMIS and HMIS - statistics have gained a level of reliability on which basis comparisons are possible. However, even those statistics do not always give much glue. For instance enrolment of boys and girls by itself do not say more than that more boys than girls go to school in absolute figures. The enrolment figures may only make sense as they are taken as a percentage of their age group, a figure which currently is not available at all. The 1981 census age group figures do not make sense any longer for such interpretations. Assuming that there is an equal distribution of the school going age group all over the province, the enrolment may be taken as a percentage of the projected population figures (NIPS) per district, which percentages than are comparable over the districts. Assuming an equal percentage of boys and girls (which according to the 1981 census is not true) in the school going age groups, it is not only very clear that percentage-wise much less girls go to schools than boys, but even that in a number of districts the percentage of boys is far above the provincial average, while in the same district the percentage of girls is far below the average. It emphasises the gender difference in access to education between the districts.

Despite all these remarks, data have been collected. Some on basis of actual censuses, others on basis of sample surveys and/or extrapolation. So far, data have not been co-ordinated and/or analysed at district level. The current exercise has been a first comprehensive trial to bring district based data together and analyse them in the district context. A lot of work to improve the data base on district level is to be foreseen in the near future. A planning cell on district level, or a district information centre in particular, may play a major data collection and monitoring role in reference to all development processes in the district.

Annex 11.         List of Acronyms
 

Annex 12.

Metric System and its Equivalents

Annex 13.
Bibliography

Government of Balochistan. Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan 1994-95, Quetta: Statistical Wing, Directorate General of Agriculture Dept., GoB, 1996.

Government of Pakistan. 1981 District Census Report of Khuzdar, Islamabad: Population Census Organisation, GoP, 1983.

Government of Pakistan. 1990 Census of Agriculture: Balochistan, vol. II, Part 4. Lahore: Economic Affairs and Statistics Division, Agricultural Census Organisation, GoP, 1994.

Government of Pakistan. Population of Mauzas 1951-81 Censuses: Khuzdar District, Islamabad: Population Census Organisation, GoP, 1989.

Government of Pakistan. Wildlife of Pakistan: Baluchistan Province, Map, Karachi: Zoological Survey Department, GoP, 1984.

Khan, Fazale Karim. A Geography of Pakistan: Environment, People, and Economy, Karachi: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Rukanuddin, Abdul Razzaque and M. Naseem Iqbal Farooqui. The State of Population in Pakistan, Islamabad: NIPS, 1988.

Shah, Mahmood Ali. Sardari, Jirga & Local Government Systems in Balochistan, Quetta: Qasim Printers, 1992.

The Gazetteer of Baluchistan: Jhalawan, Quetta: Gosha-e-Adab, 1986.