Table of Contents
Outline District Profile
District Map
Balochistan Map
Name District
1. District Resources
2. Demography and Housing
3. Social Organisation
4. Local (Government) Organisation
5. Productive Sectors
· Agriculture / Horticulture
· Livestock
· Fisherie
· Forest
· Mining
· Industry & Manufacturing
6. Economic Infrastructure and Communications
7. Social Infrastructure
· Water Supply 44
· Health 46
· Education 48
· Sports 52
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 Union Councils, Tehsils,
        Town and Municipal Committees
2.     Population Figures Census 1981
3.     Meteorological Data
4.     Functions of District Councils
5.     List of names of the MPAs and MNAs from Bolan constituency since 1988
6.     Overview of Post Offices
7.     Electricity Supply and Gas Supply/Connections
8.     Health Facilities
9.     Education Facilities
10.   Some Observations on the Data
11.   List of Acronyms
12.    Bibliography
Outline District Profile
District at a Glance
 
· District Headquarters
Dhadar
Date of Notification 31st Dec: 1991
· Area in sq.km.: 8,036      
· Population
1981
    1995 (projection)
 
m
f
total
total
 
115,785
121,348
237,133
358,670
· Sex Ratio m/f
0.95
     
· Population density (1995) 30 /sq.km     45/ sq.km
· Registration of Voters (1996)
m
f
total
 
 
98,105
83,551
181,656
 
· Major Ethnic Groups Sindhi, Balochi, Brauhi, Siraiki
· Major Languages Pashtoo, Punjabi
· Climate Hot summer and mild winter
 
 
         
· Major Crops (1995)  
Area in Hectares
Tons /Hectare
 
  Wheat
9,650
2.3
 
  Rice
500
2.2
 
  Fruits
211
8.8
 
  Jowar
7,800
1.0
 
  Fodder
7,075
25.9
 
  Barley
850
1.0
 
  Rape seed
9,100
0.6
 
  Onion
150
16.0
 
  Vegetables
965
15.8
 
  Melons
1,155
17.8
 
 
 
         
· Major livestock (1996)  
Number
   
Separate data for Bolan not  Cattle
--
   
available Sheep/Goats
--
   
  Draught Animals
--
   
  Camels
--
   
  Livestock Unit (L.U.) 

 

--
   
· Economy Agriculture and some mining
· Important Minerals Coal, chromate
· Important Places Ruins of Mehr Gahr, Noshero
 
 
         
· Education Facilities (1995)  
for boys
for girls
 
  Mosque
4
0
 
  Primary
335
39
 
  Middle
14
6
 
  High
15
3
 
  College
1
0
 
  Vocational
0
0
 
 
 
         
· Health Facilities (1995)  
Number
   
  Hospital
3
   
  Dispensary
18
   
  RHC
2
   
  BHU
9
   
  MCH Centre
3
   
  Private Clinic
30
   
· Water supply (coverage) (text)      
· Energy (sources) Wood in rural areas and gas and electricity in town. 
· Major Industries (text)      
· Communication Metalled
260 km
   
  Shingle
356 km
   
  Railway
140 km
   
  Airport
-
   
· Map (scale 1:1,000,000)        
 

District Map

 

 

Balochistan Map

Bolan
The district is named after the historic pass "Bolan". The pass, 85 kilometres long, extends from Kolpur, the highest place in Bolan district with an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level, to "Rindli". For centuries the Bolan pass has been the route along which traders, invaders and nomad hordes traversed between India and Central Asia.

The area, today included in Bolan district, used to be part of the old Thal Chotiali district until 1888. Later, until 30 June 1965, it was placed under Kalat district. In 1965, Bolan, Dhadar, Lehri, Balanari, Sanni, Bhag, Gandawa, Mirpur, Jhal, Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were transferred from Kalat district to constitute Kachhi district. After the 1972 census Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were detached from Kachhi district and transferred to the new district of Nasirabad. It became part of Nasirabad division, which was created in 1986. Before bifurcation into two districts, the total area of the Kachhi district was 11,114 sq.kms. The area included in Bolan district is 8,036 sq. km.

Kachhi district derives its name from "Khach", i.e. plains. Kachhi was bifurcated into Jhall Magsi and Bolan district on December 31, 1991. The Bolan district started functioning under a district magistrate from 17 May 1992.

District Headquarters Dhadar*.

*There are two versions about the origin of the word "Dhadar". The first one is that it originated from the "Da ha Ne dar" (i.e. through the pass), as one reached Dhadar through the Bolan pass. The second version is that there were ten gates in the rampart wall around the city in the past, after which the city was named "Da Der" (i.e. ten doors). Both versions are believed to be authentic.
 

  

  

  

 

 
Ruins in Bhag
 
 
 
Ruins of Mehr Ghar

 

1.      District Resources
1.1    Introduction (Inclusive land area and land use)
Land use statistics are not available yet for Bolan district alone. The Agricultural Statistics for 1994-95 indicate land utilisation statistics of Bolan and Jhall Magsi districts combined. Five percent of the combined area has not been reported yet. Two percent is under forest, 28 percent of the area is culturable waste of which one fifth is under water logging. The total area of Bolan district covers 803,600 ha. of which according to the Agricultural Statistics 1994/95 only 38,996 ha is net sown and 36,534 ha is current fallow. 

The table below gives the figures for Bolan and Jhal Magsi combined.
 
Land use Bolan / Jhall Magsi
Area (Ha)
% of total district area
Total Geographical Area
1,111,404
100
Area not reported
53,446
5
Area reported
1,057,958
95
- Not available for cultivation
455,991
41
- Area under forest
20,988
2
- Area under permanent pasture
-
-
- Culturable waste
314,961
28
- Area under water logging / salinity
-
-
- Arable land
266,613
24
Potential area available for cultivation
581,574
52
Source: Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan 1994/95, DG Agricultural Department.

1.2 Topography
Bolan district lies between 29 24' 10" N and 67 4' 44" E. Area wise Bolan district is the largest of all four districts in Nasirabad Division. The total area of Bolan is 8,036 sq.km.
Bolan district comprises both plain and hilly areas. The hilly areas are in the north and the west of the district. In the north the hills range from Kolpur to Kondalani, a Bolan Levy check post, from where 3.5 km onward the road travels into the plain area. The hilly areas in the west are confined to a part of Sanni tehsil. The hilly areas are solid rocks with a long chain of mountains near Kolpur, with peaks varying from 1,000 to 3,000 metres. The plain area in the south and east of Bolan district is formed of alluvial soil. Part of the plain is a non-sandy desert area.

1.3 Climate
Bolan district incorporates all kinds of weather types. The hilly areas are mild in summer and severe cold with snow in winter. Because of its low altitude, the plain area is extremely hot and humid in summer. In winter the climate on the plain area is pleasant. Day and night temperatures vary substantially. Dust storms are common in the plain area in the months of June, July and August.

According to the Agricultural Department, dividing the province into five ecological zones based on altitude, the Bolan district falls in the first category with an altitude from 625 mt. to 1250 mt. above sea level.

Except Mach sub-division, where the average rainfall is higher, the rest of the area gets scanty rainfall. Storms may develop during winter when it snows on mountains. The total annual rainfall of Bolan district ranges from 175 - 325 mm in the period 1992 - 1995, with an annual mean of 210 mm during that period.

Average Monthly Rain Fall (in mm) over the period 1992 - 1995 
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Total
31.1
28.0
25.0
11.0
7.3
10.0
31.0
32.0
9.0
7.0
3.5
15.0
209.9
Source: Sibi Meteorological Office

Mean Max and Min Temperature ( in °C)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
22
30
39
44
54
55
50
45
40
38
39
32
9
12
15
15
17
20
19
19
15
13
12
9
Source: Sibi Meteorological Office

The Bolan plain area is traditionally known as the hottest area in Balochistan. A saying from Ross Bell's diary says, "Oh God, when Thou created Sibi and Dhadar, then why Thou created Hell!" In hot summer months a large part of the population migrates to the hilly areas. According to the weather station in Balochistan the maximum temperature can go up to 54 °C, while in some areas the temperature can drop as far as minus 17°C in winter, recorded from 1992 to 1995. There is a great temperature variation in the district, as some areas (Kolpur) are at high altitude, where minimum temperature can drop to minus 17 °C.

1.4 Soils
According to the Directorate of Hydrology, 65 to 70 percent of the soil exists of alluvial (deposited by rivers, running and flood water) and "Kacca" (flood plain and unmetalled), 30 to 35 percent is stony and 5 percent exists of loess (wind blown).

1.5 Minerals
The major mineral source of the district is coal. Chromate exists in potency but is not explored. The lime stone potential in Mach area is explored with a number of crush-stone machines . The district has a number of other minerals, but these are unexplored too. According to the Directorate of Mineral Development sources, the district has a big potential of sulphur and gypsum.

1.6 Vegetation
Bolan has no forests. There is a small area with block plantation and large parts of the districts are in use as permanent pasture-lands. Trees grow all over the district and the following species are common: eucalyptus, acacia, dalbergia, zizyphis, albizzia, azadricha, presepis juliflora, panicum, antidetals, and alhagae camalorum.

1.7 Energy
The two major sources of energy in the district are gas and electricity.. They are mainly used for residential purposes such as heating, cooking, and pumping water. The towns along the highway (Dhadar, Mach, Kolpur), and some towns within the "30 km. policy" are connected to the gas line. A number of towns became connected to the gas line under the 7th Five Year Plan.

The use of electricity for agricultural purpose is growing, but in places where there is no electricity available, people use diesel engines for pumping water and other mechanical purposes such as the drilling and crushing of stones and the operation of small home-industrial units (e.g. flour machines). In these areas, kerosene, diesel, coal and wood are used for cooking and heating. For reasons of poverty, the majority of the people in the rural areas prefer the consumption of wood. According to the Forest Department this endangers the district’s vegetation, as every year thousands of trees and bushes are razed to the ground for fuel purposes.. The use of coal is not common in the plain area of Bolan, as it is less available and more expensive than wood.

1.8 Environment
Soil erosion is rare. However, cutting of trees and bushes is common. The environmental threats caused by such deforestation have a negative impact on the process of natural and artificial forestry. The forestry sector already is nearly negligible. In summer, the whole district is swept with dust pollution. Water conservation through action delay dams does exist, but does not suffice.

Water pollution by chemicals is rare. Water pollution in water tanks and stores is caused by animals (micro organisms). In rural areas, the water for drinking purposes is polluted because of ill-hygienic use of the water resources. The same water sources are also used for laundering and dish-washing purposes and animals are allowed to drink from them as well.

Environmental pollution is hardly existing, as the district lacks industrial set-up, traffic, and factories. The atmosphere is free from smoke and puff pollution. There is not any urban congestion, toxic traffic emissions are therefore very limited.

1.9 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Bolan district is underdeveloped. The climate is not conducive towards agricultural development. Its mineral and agricultural resources have not been adequately developed yet. The majority of the people live in poverty. They are dependent on the agricultural sector which appears to be an inadequate source of livelihood.

2. Demography and Housing
2.1 Population

The figures in the table below refer to Bolan district only. 
 
1972
1981
1995 (projected)*
Population  
237,133
358,670
  • male
 
115,785
 
  • female
 
121,348
 
M/F ratio  
0,95
 
Population Density  
30
45
No. of Households  
33,876
 
Average Household Size  
7.0
 
Percentage under 15 years  
46
 
Urban Population  
22,860
 
M/F ratio Urban
1.2
1.2
 
Rural Population  
214,273
 
M/F ratio Rural
1.2
0.93
 
Urban Population (%)  
10
 
Source: 1972, 1981 Census and 1995 National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS) projection
* The projected population figures of 1995 are questionable as it is not clear whether the ongoing migration has been considered (see 2.1.1).

2.1.1 Population Growth Pattern
The population of Balochistan increased at an average annual growth rate of 7.1 percent during the 1972-81 period (8 years and 5.5 months), whereas this rate was 5.1 percent during the period 1961-72. According to the District census report published by the Department of Population Census in 1981, the annual population growth rate of the areas now part of Bolan district ranged from 5.1 to 10 percent between the censuses of 1972 and 1981. According to the statistics of the Social Action Programme the population of Bolan district (as it constitutes today) has increased at an annual growth rate of approximately 6.2 percent since the 1981 elections. According to the NIPS projections the annual population growth of Bolan district is 3.0 percent. It is not clear, however, whether the huge migration from Bolan district during the last few years, due to lack of drinking water, is fully considered.

The population of urban areas has increased. The growth rate figures of Mach are the highest, because of migration into the area during the last two decades.

2.1.2 Population Composition
According to the 1981 census, the total population of the district was 237,133 that year, of which 121,348 females and 115,785 males. The male-female ratio indicates that Bolan is one of the few districts where women outnumber men, at least statistically.

2.1.3 Household Size
The average household exists of 7 persons. In rural towns and villages there are houses with 11 to 17 family members. Poverty, close-family marriages and tribal homogeneity encourage the establishment of joint families more than nucleus ones. Literate families and families from marriages outside the family or tribe are less inclined to a joint family system.

2.1.4 Dependent Population
In 1981, 109,055 children were under the age of 15, the age group from 15 to 60 totalled 118,499, and 9,579 people were over 60 years of age. This means that the so-called dependent population (those under 15 or over 60 years of age) accounted for 50 percent of the total population. However, within the given socio-cultural context all women of all ages may be considered dependent as well.

2.1.5 Rural / Urban Dimensions
The large majority of Bolan people live in rural areas. According to the 1981 census, the urban population of 22,860 people accounts for only 9.6 percent of the total district population. Poor infrastructure in the rural areas and the subsequent isolated position of the rural population accounts for the relatively high number of joint families and a low literacy rate among the rural segments of the population.

2.1.6 Spatial Population Distribution
The majority of the population is living in the centre part of the district with the north-western, the eastern and the south-western parts of the districts more sparsely populated. The population of the district, particularly in the rural areas, is loosely concentrated. Villages comprise only few houses lying far apart. This loose concentration of houses is a serious bottleneck for infrastructural development.

The urban areas are not very densely populated either. High-rise building is very rare.

In 1981, the population density was 29.5 individuals per sq.km. The projected spatial concentration for 1995 is 44.6 individuals per sq.km. However, because of the ongoing migration from the district, the actual population growth will probably be smaller.

2.1.7 Ethnic Composition
Bolan is an ethnically heterogeneous district. The two major socio-linguistic groups are the Baloch and the Brauhi. The Balochi speaking group is made up of various tribes, the most important ones being the Rind, the Raisani, the Shawani, the Domki, the Syed and the Kurd. Each tribe is divided into a number of sub-tribes. They inhabit different villages and live in pockets. The Rind are predominantly Balochi speaking, although a large number of them can speak Sindhi. The Raisani are a predominantly Brauhi speaking tribe; though some of them can speak Balochi. Ethnically they have Pathan roots, but they claim to be Brauhi Baloch. The Domki and the Syeds speak Sindhi.

The Rind is the dominant Baloch ethnic group. Politically and ethnically, Rind tribe is quite influential in the area, which can be gauged from the fact that the National Assembly seat is always won by a Rind Sardar. The Rind are followed by the Jamoot. Socio-culturally they are akin to the Sindhi and they have Sindhi roots, but they claim to be Baloch. The Jamoot, who are also divided into a number of sub-tribes, are predominately Sindhi speaking. Beside these tribes, there is a small population of settlers and Pashtu speaking people. The Hindu population of the area are Sindhi and Balochi speaking.

Sindhi is the most widely spoken language in the area, followed by Balochi and Brauhi. Urdu is spoken as a medium of education or communication between people with different ethnic backgrounds. It is spoken and understood more often in urban areas than in rural areas. In rural areas, people predominantly speak regional languages.

Like in other districts of Balochistan, the pursuit of domicile in Bolan is on the basis of Locals and Domiciles. A Local is the one who belongs to one of the native/indigenous tribes of the area. A Domicile is one who is entitled to residency on the basis of his prolonged stay, property and family relationship. Rind, Jamoot, Jatooi, Raisani, Kurd, Syeds etc. are all Locals. There are a number of those who have settled in the district who include Siraki, Pashto and Punjabi speaking. There are a number of settlers from Sindh. A number of the Sindhi district population from the interior of Sindh has claimed to be Local. The Sindhi speaking Balochs are culturally akin to Sindhi people.

2.1.8 Nature and Extent of Migration
In summer, the population number is lower than in winter. People from the plains migrate to the hill areas in summer because of excessive heat. They move to the surroundings of Quetta, Kolpur and the moderate areas of Mach. They usually stay there for four months from June until October. In winter they migrate back. In winter, a large number of the Powandahs, a nomad people, migrates to the plains in search for water and pasture for their cattle. The majority of these Powandahs are not residents in the district.

Due to lack of water, a large number of residents have migrated from Bolan to cities in Sindh, searching for better opportunities of livelihood. This can be indicated by the fact that villages with many houses and big graveyards often have only a small number of people living in them. Though it cannot be proven by any research or statistical data, it is believed that the major factor accountable for this is the economic situation. Some sources say that 15 to 20 percent of the residents of Bolan district have moved away from the district for livelihood purpose. They usually come back to visit once a year.

2.2 Labour Force
The regular labour force in the district can be broadly divided into the following categories: coal mine workers, crush-stone machine workers, tenants, and daily wage workers. Due to the lack of industrial development there is no industrial labour in the district.

The coal-mine industry in Mach area employs approximately 1,200 people (in 40 mines), excluding those holding jobs as experts, engineers, supervisors or managers. They are hired privately, but registered with the Directorate of Mineral Development.

The stone crushing machines are all privately owned except one which is owned by the army’s National Logistics Cell (NLC). The number of labourers varies from plant to plant, however, approximately each plant has 10 to 20 men employed. They are paid on monthly basis.

The tenant force in the district exists of approximately 2,000 men, excluding the women and children helping their husbands and fathers. The men are hired to cultivate the land of a landowner on fixed terms, in return of which he gets, amongst other things, a place of shelter for his family on the landowner’s territory.

Daily wagers are usually hired on a daily basis, but sometimes receive weekly or monthly wages. They are hired by landowners and contractors for labour support in road construction, construction works, harvesting and work in shops.

As a result of the wretched poverty and illiteracy, there is a large number of old age labourers in the district. They are engaged in petty labour or tend herds for a share of wheat at the end of the harvesting season.

2.3 Housing
The majority of the houses in the district are mud-made. The towns Dhadar, Mach and Bhag have 20 to 25 % cemented and baked brick-houses. In the rural areas 85 to 90 percent of the houses are "kacha" without any concrete designing and technology involved. The walls can be partly built with baked bricks, but the surrounding walls, roof topping and interior are topped with mud or clay. An average house has two to three rooms surrounded by a gallery. Some houses have a barn attached. Flush cisterns, commodes and washing basins hardly exist in rural houses. The toilet is located in the outer corner of the house. Houses lack an appropriate system for drainage, disposal of human waste and sewerage.

2.3.1 Tenure
Eighty five to ninety percent of the houses in the district are privately owned. The ratio of rented and government-run houses and quarters is slightly higher in urban areas, but it does not exceed 7 to 10 percent of the overall number of houses. House ownership is inherited from father to son or daughter. Space and houses are easily obtainable in the rural area.

2.3.2 Construction Material
In rural areas, the majority of houses are traditionally designed with dried clay bricks. They may include red (baked) bricks, but topping and roofing is of clay. Doors, windows, and ventilators are made of wood. The use of cement, iron and tiles is rare in rural house construction. The houses in urban areas in majority are made of baked bricks. The use of steel and iron grill is common in newly constructed houses in the towns. The use of mortar is maximum in floor boards. The joints are made of wood.

2.3.3 Sources of Energy
In the area where electricity and gas reaches, they are the sources of energy for cooking and heating. The houses in the area without electricity and gas rely on kerosene, oil and wood for cooking and heating. Some may use a diesel run generator (usually one to two horse power). The use of kerosene and gas lamps is common in rural areas without electricity. The use of dung-cake for fuel purposes is common in rural areas and even in towns too.

2.3.4 Housing Characteristics
The houses are knit together in rural areas. However, urban areas such as Mach, Dhadar and Bhag resemble rural areas. A house usually consists of a kitchen, a bath-room and a toilet. The kitchen is usually an open room with only a roof shelter. Because of the extreme summer weather, most part of the year cooking is done outside the kitchen. The newly constructed houses in towns have a separate bath-room and kitchen.

Seventy-five percent of the houses in the district is without drainage, human waste disposal facilities and sewerage system. They do not have in-house water supply. Water is fetched from a nearby water tank, stream or stored water in an open pond.

A number of old buildings in Bolan district are beautiful models of old days architecture. They include premises of the Khan of Kalat at Dhadar. In Lehri a number of old style buildings exit. In Mach there are a large number of solidly constructed railways houses, built during the British period.

2.3.5 Drinking Water and Sanitation
The rural areas lack sanitation. Drinking water and sanitation are two major problems in the district. Water is scarce and the sanitation system in rural and even urban areas is below basic level. Human waste disposal facilities and latrines are not common.

2.4 Conclusion and Major Development Issues

Reliable demographic and other statistics are not available for Bolan, as notification took place only recently and no recent calculations have been made to get a clear statistical overview. This affects the equal distribution of services over the district.

Access to drinking water is a major problem for the population both in rural areas and in towns. The systems for drainage, human waste disposal, and sewerage are not well developed. Illiteracy has been mentioned as a major cause for people not realising the consequences of poor hygienic circumstances.

3. Social Organisation
3.1 Introduction
The society in Bolan district is predominantly patriarchal organised. The society is male dominated, leaving little room for women in decision making on household, family and tribe level.

Tribal affiliation is imposed. Tribalism is strong and tribal feuds have increased in number over the past years. Tribalism has led to vendettas, as the result of which common innocent people are killed. Vendettas have resulted in the killing of tribal elite, such as Nawab Ghoush Baksh Raisani, Taj Mohammed Rind, Nawab Ismail Raisani, sons of Mir Chakar Khan Domki etc.

3.2 The Family
The ordinary rural family consists of husband, wife and four to eight children. The joint family system is still common in rural areas, but dying out in urban areas. In large, people prefer to be identified with a tribe or clan rather than with the family they belong to. The number of nuclear families in rural areas is small.

3.3 Marriage
The majority of the marriages in the district is arranged, particularly in rural areas. In urban areas, such as Bhag, Dhadar, and Mach, educated girls may express their willingness or unwillingness for a match, but they nonetheless remain under the patriarchal set-up, where their fates are determined by their fathers, brothers, or near kin. It is widely observed that, unlike uneducated girls, girls with an education, whether they are from rural or urban areas, have at least some influence on their marriage affairs. The girl’s age for marriage is between 15 and 20 years. Early age and adolescence marriages are more common in cases of uneducated girls. In areas with lower female literacy rates, there are more marriages at adolescence age and more cases of girls given in marriage to 80-89 year old men.

Vulvar (bride-price) is practised in Bolan, but less frequent than in the Pashtu speaking belt. The payment of vulvar is imputed to the male side by the female members at the time a proposal of marriage is made. There are no fixed rules for the amount of vulvar to be paid. It varies from case to case and situation to situation, but it usually is not very high. Vulvar can be paid by the bridegroom, his parents, guardians or relatives. The demand for vulvar is usually raised, when a proposal is made to the bride's side.

Similarly, there is the more commonly practised system of Ata Wata (exchange marriages). In case of Ata-Wata, a girl marries a man in exchange for a bride for her brother. This system is more common in rural areas, where people are poor and cannot afford to pay a bride price. Under the Ata Wata system, the choice for matrimony is more imposed on the female side. It includes a large number of cases each year where the bridegroom is younger than the bride.

Under the vulvar and Ata Wata system girls, who have been proposed to, are left with no choice but to bow their heads for the marriage. After their daughters’ marriages, parents become almost indifferent to their welfare. Married women are at the mercy of their husband and his family. It is observed that under the system of exchange of marriages, the husband may retaliate upon his wife, in case his sister is not happy with his wife's brother. A second marriage on one side may result in marriage break-up, ill-treatment of wife, or tit for tat in retaliation. One form of retaliation upon the wife may result in Siahkari, where she is murdered for having entered into a sexual relationship with another man. Women who are forced to flee from their homes because of ill-treatment and excessive beating may be targeted for Siahkar. Siahkar is quite often reported in Bolan district.

3.4 Social Organisation
Decision making is in the hands of males. The decisions they make are binding for women. There are no social organisations worth the name to cater for the social needs and problems of the common men.

3.5 Customs of Co-operation
The societal development level in the district is unbalanced. The traditional institutions and norms which existed in the past have collapsed, but have not been replaced by new ones. The sense of group homogeneity and self-reliance among a tribe or inter-tribe has ceased, partly because of the pouring stream of government funds and the establishment of government machinery. Instead of joint collective struggle or co-operation, people look for funds and co-operation from the government. For example, in olden days everybody would tie up their hands by mobilising their efforts (by bringing ox-driven plough, family members, etc.) for the construction of small safety spurs around the village during the flood season, for the construction of a water storage, or to level agricultural fields. These kinds of neighbourly assistance do not exist any longer. Due to the growing reliance on government aid, assured by the MPAs and Councillors, the low per capita income and the tribal polarisation, the general masses have become indifferent to their fellow tribesmen and others.

In 1995, Bolan had 42 Co-operative Societies, with a total membership of 1789 persons. The share capital involved was Rs. 841,000.

3.6 Religious Beliefs
The majority of the people living in Bolan district belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. A smaller part, most of which lives in Mach, belongs to the Shia sect of Islam. Hindus are living in Bolan district as well, mostly in Bhag sub-division.

The two major festivals observed are Eid-Fitr and Eid-Azha. They are occasions of great jubilation and joy. The other festivals are Eid-Miladuld Nabi, Sab-e-Barat and Muharam. The Hindus observe Diwali and Holi.

The population of Bolan district, as observed and interviewed, is less religiously conservative compared to the Pashtu speaking belt. The observation of fast during Ramadan is not regular. Two factors are accountable: a lack of religious rigidity and the very hot summers. The main indicators are less attendance in mosques, routine prayers, and less religious knowledge. There is a respect for Pirs (religious bigwigs) and Syeds amongst the Sindhi speaking population. Syeds, decedents of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) are treated with a respect.

The incidence of religious conflicts is small. There are fewer cases of sectarian violence than family or tribal violence. Still, following the Ayodhya incident in India in 1991 after the Babri mosque was desecrated, Hindus were killed and temples in Bhaq were damaged. The anti-Hindu riots pose a serious threat to the peaceful co-existence of Hindus and Moslims in Bolan, since 1947.

There is a large number of shrines (ziarat) that people pay homage to, particularly on Thursday nights. The most important shrines are Daloo Baba ,75 km from Dhadar, Bibi Nani (also a picnic spot), Pir Dupasi, Sikander Shah Baba at Dhadar, Pir Shabir Shah at Bhag, Pir Sufan Shah at Bhag, and Pir Izat Shah Mithri.

3.7 Conflict Resolution
There are two major channels of conflict resolution in the district. One is the government channel and the other one is private. The government channel works through judicial decisions made by Judicial Magistrates, Civil Judges and a Session Judge in Sibi. There is a Qazi Court in Dhadar.

Previously, the government operated through the Jirga system. The Jirga was an effective traditional system of justice, which was practised in Balochistan to settle legal cases and disputes. This system, in practice since British rule, was modified under the Special Provision Ordinance (Criminal Provisions 11) of 1968 and altogether abolished in 1991. However, government at times still leaves conflict settling with a Jirga (comprising of notables etc.), giving the decision its legal status by confirming the Jirga’s verdict afterwards.

The private channel has in may cases proven to be more effective in conflict resolution than the government channel. There is a Mehr system where one of the parties in conflict can go the other party. Another private channel for conflict resolution is known as the Biradiri system (Brotherhood), in which few close family members, fellow tribesmen or notables from or outside the family or tribe can mediate and settle the disputes.

It is widely observed that in conflict resolution, conditions can be imposed on either party. This can be payment of money, giving up land or marrying off girls and women to the inflicted side. The private channel for the settlement of disputes is believed to be better capable of bringing peace and justice among the parties involved, than the public one.

3.8 Arms
Because of the growing tribal unrest, nowadays more people keep arms than two decades ago. According to the DC office and Levies' report, both traditional and advanced weapons are used in day to day and tribal encounters, including traditional rifles, 12-bore shot-guns and advanced weapons such as Kalashnikovs (a popular automatic weapon), G.3, rocket launchers, shakeel (a kind of weapon) and mortar guns. Advanced weapons are carried without license by outlaws and bodyguards of tribal chiefs. A few Kalashnikovs are licensed to influential persons by higher authorities. In addition, the semi-automatic weapon Kalakov (Chinese and Russian made) is used by bodyguards and outlaws, who, with some modification, make them almost automatic. The licenses for Kalakovs are issued by the District Magistrate. Bolan was unfamiliar with the advanced weapons until the aftermath of the Saur revolution of Afghanistan in 1978. The Kalashnikovs and Kalakov are popular because of their intensity, availability of bullets, and the fact that they are so small that they can be hidden under one’s arm.

3.9 Role, position and status of Women
The entire society of Bolan district is male dominated. Since it is the man who fights against enemies and decides the political fate of the family and tribe, he has a predominant role in both community and family decision making. Due to illiteracy and unawareness, women enjoy few civil amenities or fundamental rights. As a result, the human rights of women are more violated than those of men. Women in the rural areas look after the horses, camels and sheep, assist in cultivation of land and do the traditional embroidery. The societal trends constrain them to remain illiterate and to endure problems related to polygamy, vulvar and a generally low social status. Though women have a minor role in decision-making or any other matter, they share the family’s economic burden by taking care of the household and by doing productive work outside the house in the fields. Yet, household work is not considered an economic contribution. Husbands and elders give women hardly any credit for their significant contribution in the local economy.

Women have no political say in district affairs. However, their voting bank has gained in influence in the district. During the elections of 1990 and 1993 candidates took special care to divert women’s votes in their favour. Female polling agents were called in from Sibi and Quetta for that purpose. Since elections began in 1985 the percentage of votes cast by women has increased. There are two lady Councillors in the District Council and four in the Town Committees (see annex 1).

The rural society of Bolan district is largely polygamous. Men do not ask their first wife’s’ consent for a second marriage. Still, a change in women's status is observed in literate and educated households.

The number of cases of Siahkari is growing. Under Siahkari, which literally means ‘adultery’, people, in most cases the women, who are found guilty of adultery are killed for reasons of revenge. Killing people in the name of Siahkar is justified as a manner to protect family or social honour. Siahkar goes against Islamic moral, which advocates a fair trial for the accused, based on eye-witnesses’ testimony

3.10 Apprenticeship and Child Labour
Child labour has a different dimension in rural and urban areas of the district. There are a few small industrial units in the Lehri and Bhag areas. The number of children working there is very small. It is mostly men and women who work in the industry on fixed terms or work loads (see 5.6.2). However, a large number of children is employed in tea-stalls, hotels, shops and stores on daily, weekly or monthly wages. In a number of cases the wages are received by the parents or guardians. Boys are involved in herding cattle, cutting of fodder and gathering of wood. Girls in rural areas are exclusively engaged in household duties. A large number of children outside in fields, grazing cattle and poaching wild chicks, said that they do not attend school at all.

There is a lack of government support for apprenticeship. The major sources of apprenticeship for boys are private motor-workshops, tailoring shops, carpentry, cooking and bicycle repair shops, where they receive informal training. Girls learn traditional embroidery work at home. The government sector and NGOs can play an important role in the promotion of apprenticeship for children, so that they can obtain professional qualifications to help them later on in life. There is an NGO, named "Tanzeem Idara Badhal Mustakeen", which has initiated a girls’ school and a youth development project in a village near Nari bank. The BRSP has launched a similar programme in Bhag area.

3.11 Conclusion and major Development
Society in Bolan district is male dominated, leaving little room for women in decision making on household, tribal and/or political level. The role of women is not recognized, despite their involvement in sharing the burden of work.

Tribal affiliation is strong, although traditional forms of co-operation among people are fading away.

4.     Government Organisation
4.1   Administrative Division
The Bolan area remained under one district Kachhi until 31 December 1991. The Deputy Commissioner’s office started functioning on 17 May 1992. It is now one of the four districts of Nasirabad division.

4.2 Brief history of Local Government Institutions
The origin of local government can be traced back to the Basic Democratic System founded by President Ayub Khan. The institutions were dissolved after Z.A. Bhutto came into power. The local government institutions were reactivated by President Zia-ul-Haq in 1979. Elections were held on non-party basis throughout the country to elect the following tiers of local bodies: Municipal Corporation, District Council, Union Council, Unions and Tehsil Councils. Elections for local bodies in Balochistan were held in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1991. The local bodies institutions in Balochistan were dissolved on 19 December 1996 and new elections are expected to be held in 1997.

4.3 Local Government Administration
The local government administration at district level is headed by an Assistant Director (AD). Under the AD comes a Development Officer (DO) for each sub-division as well as a civil engineer and a number of clerical staff. In case of the existence of local bodies institutions, the local government administration functions in mutual co-operation with the offices of their chairpersons. District Council funds are channelled through the AD Office.

4.3.1 Union Council
The Union Council is the lowest tier of the local government system. It is designed to serve an area with an average population of 10,000 to 15,000 people. In Bolan there are a total of 21 Union Councils under the District Council. All Council members are elected, except representatives from the farmers (1), the labourers (1), the women (2) and sometimes from the minority groups (1). Union Councils are popular rural based elected institutions, catering to the needs of people at the local level. The membership of union councils in Bolan district varies from 6 to 14 members (see Annex 1).

4.3.2 Town Committee
Bolan has three town committees: Dhadar, Bhag and Mach, with 11, 12 and 7 members respectively. Town Committees are the lowest tier of urban councils and each committee represents around 7,000 to 12,000 people. The number of Committee members varies along with the number of wards in the town, e.g. a town with 10 wards has 10 members. The same rule applies to Municipal and Union Councils. The Town Committees of Bhag and Dhadar both have two female councillors.

4.3.3 Municipal Committee
There is currently no Municipal Committee functioning within the district.

4.3.4 District Council
The total number of District Council members is 26, all elected through adult franchise. The number of members shrank after the bifurcation of Kachhi into two districts. The strength of a District Council, Municipal, Town and Union Council depends on the number of wards. The District Council includes two lady councillors and one minority member. They are not elected in general elections, but by the sitting members of the council.

4.4 Federal/Provincial Government Administration
Like other districts, there are two categories of administration at the district level: federal and provincial. The federal government administration holds a minor role. The role of the provincial government is big.

The provincial government administration comprises a Deputy Commissioner (DC), Additional DC, Assistant Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsildar and Naib-tehsildar. Also the levy, police, irrigation, construction and works (C & W), livestock, local government, health, Qazi courts, agriculture, public health, social welfare, forest and wildlife, excise and taxation (with its office at Sibi) and education offices all come under the provincial government. A number of Departments are managed from their office in neighbouring districts.

The federal government administration at the district level includes the elections office. Further there are federal government units like the Intelligence Bureau, the Inter Service Intelligence and the Military Intelligence, but they function rather invisible and have hardly any dealings with the public.

4.5 Maintenance of Law and Order
The larger part of Bolan district is bifurcated into an "A" and a "B" area. The "A" area, comprising towns and highways, has a police force. A police station has a radius of maximum 8 kilometres jurisdiction. A "B" area does not have a police force. All major law and order situations in the "B" area are dealt with by levies

Bolan district has a limited police force, largely comprising of Balochistan Reserve Policemen. As there is no superintendent of police (SP) at district level, the policemen come under the SP office at Nasirabad, which has four stations under his jurisdiction: Dhadar, Bhag, Gandawa and D.M.Jamali. The first two fall in Bolan district.

Levy is a conventional force for maintaining law and order. Installed during British rule, levy members are recruited along tribal or clan lines. The levies fall under the direct command of the Deputy Commissioner, with his powers delegated to the assistant commissioners, tehsildars, etc. The levies in Bolan district are classified in Sepoy, Hawaldar, Dafeedar, Jameedar and Risaldar.. An ordinary Sepoy's pay is from 2,000 Rs. to 2,500 Rs. Every district in Balochistan has its own levies, named after the district. Recently, at the initiation of the DC administration, a new levy force has been recruited on district level, known as the Task Force. This Task Force is better trained and equipped with advanced weapons.

The total number of regular levy members in Bolan is 595, including a Risaldar Major, two Risaldar, six Dafeedar, eight Jamadar, 41 Hawaldar, 407 constables (foot constable), six trackers and 22 members of the Task Force. In addition there is a temporary levy force to guard the district’s important railways (134) and micro-stations (20). They are paid by the Railways and T & T department. The total number of levy posts in the district is 20.

Levy is an effective force. However, in case of tribal enmities or a serious law and order situation, the Frontier Corps (FC), a para-military force under the Federal Home Department, can be called by the District Magistrate with the consent of the Divisional Commissioner, the Home Department and the Inspector General FC. There is a wing of the FC corps, called the Sibi Scouts, stationed in Mach, under the command of a major. The contingent can be called from Sibi Scouts headquarters at Sibi. The role of the FC has become more important as a result of the tribal enmity between the Rind and the Raisani, between the Raisani and the Domki and between Rind clans (the Merozai and the Hotanzi).
 
The administration of justice includes a Qazi Court at Dhadar. After the partial separation of the judiciary from the executive, civil and criminal cases are largely decided by Judicial Magistrates, Civil Judges, and District and Session Judges at Sibi (until January 1997 no Judicial Magistrate or Civil Judge office existed in Bolan district). Based on chapters 8, 9, 11 and 12 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the executive powers (Assistant Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner) still have judicial powers too. They can impose prison sentences up to three years and fines not exceeding 5,000. Rs. The Qazi court hears civil cases only. Since Ordinance 2 (Jirga Law) was abolished, the Deputy Commissioner has no longer the power to decide in murder cases.

The largest prison of Balochistan, built in 1929, is located in Bolan district, near Mach. In British days it was known as the toughest jail for notorious and habitual criminals from all over British India. The jail has a capacity for 570 convicts, but currently the actual number of prisoners exceeded 750. There are seven barracks for adult male prisoners, one for juvenile prisoners and one for female prisoners. The jail has a big factory where prisoners can learn various skills, particularly carpet making. The Mach jail is the only jail in Balochistan with execution facilities. All those sentenced to death are transferred to Mach. Death sentences are carried out on an open yard with gallows, where three persons can be executed at a time.

There are three levy lockups in Dhadar, Bhag, and Sanni. The one in Dhadar is the largest. They come under the DC office and are for temporary arrangements. An accused can be held in a levy lockup up to a maximum of 14 days. Detention of a remand who is taken in for three to four days, may be extended up to 14 days. A levy lockup is less comfortable than a jail.

In day-light, foreigners are allowed to travel on the highways across the district without specific permission for camping. Travelling in the "B" area is only allowed for foreigners with permission from the Home Department. They are provided with a levy escort by the DC office without any charges. Similarly is the case with Pakistanis (not being native) doing research in "B" areas, although they do not need permission from the Home

Department. The incidents of kidnapping for ransom and demand acceptance have increased.

4.6 Revenue Administration
In Bolan district revenue is collected mainly through the district council and the provincial government, without being clearly defined which institution is responsible for the collection of what revenues. The division of work to collect octroi, zila, property tax or fees in reference to business licenses, vehicle registration and coal mining still needs to be identified clearly.  
 
Taxes Union Council Town/ 

Comm.

District Council Board of Revenue/Dep. Comm. Prov. Govt. Fed. Govt.
Water charges
-
-
-
-
x
-
Sanitation fee
-
-
-
-
x
-
Livestock cess
-
-
-
-
x
-
Agricultural cess
-
-
-
-
x
-
Octroi
-
-
x
-
x
-
Zila
-
-
x
-
x
-
Land tax
-
-
-
-
x
-
Property tax
-
-
x
-
x
-
Business License
-
-
x
-
x
-
Registration Vehicles
-
-
x
-
x
-
Coal mining, etc.
-
-
x
-
-
-
Income tax
-
-
-
-
-
x
Custom duty
-
-
-
-
-
x
Legend: x is responsible for collection of revenue concerned.

4.7 Political Parties
Balochistan is divided into political pockets. The role of political parties is not very strong in Bolan district. The personal status of the candidate is very important. All those elected to the Provincial and National Assembly on party based elections since 1988, have mobilised voters' support by being the bigwigs of the area. They would have been elected irrespective of their political colour. From PB 24, the success of all the three elected candidates was largely due to their socio-cultural status. Chakar Khan, a Sardar from Domki tribe, has always been elected as an independent candidate. (Chakar Khan has been elected to the Provincial Assembly in all elections held since Balochistan became a province in 1970 (1970, 1977, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993). When asked about his election as an independent candidate, he said, "I am elected on personal grounds, so why should I go for a party ticket." Similarly, the Rind Sardars have retained the National Assembly seat because of their tribal status and force. Votes are predominantly cast on ethnic basis. Support based on political colour is less evident.

The political parties existing at district level are Pakistan National Party (PNP), Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and Jamoot Qoomi Movement (JQM), which was recently founded on tribal basis. Voters lack political awareness.

Women’s participation in politics or political parties is nil, nonetheless, they are driven to polling stations to cast their votes. "There is no representation of women in political parties or politics, because of overwhelming male chauvinism".

4.8 Non Government Organisations
The role of NGOs in Bolan district is very minor. The only NGO with a role in the health and education sector is Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) at Bhag. Another NGO, "Tanzeem Idara Bahal Mustakeen" (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Needy), is active in a village near Nari bank. 
 
Sector
Local Govt.
Prov. Govt.
Fed. Govt.
NGO
Internat. Donor
Private Enterpr.
Productive            
Agriculture
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Horticulture
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Livestock
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Fisheries
-
-
-
-
-
-
Forestry (harvesting)
-
xxx
-
-
-
x
Mining
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Industry/Manufacturing
-
x
-
-
-
-
Economic Service            
Financial Services
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Roads
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Rail/Airways
-
xx
xx
-
-
-
Social Services            
Water Supply
x
xxx
-
-
-
-
Health
-
xxx
xx*
x
-
-
Education
-
xxx
xx
x
x
-
Sports
-
xxx
 
-
-
x
Social Welfare
-
xxx
 
-
-
-
Women & Development
-
x
x
-
-
-
Legend: - no involvement
             x minor involvement
             xx substantial involvement
             xxx major involvement

* N.B. Federal Government’s involvement may be in the shape of allocation of federal funds to the provincial government or the allocation of Zakat funds. 4.9 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Bolan has been notified only recently. Therefore the government Departments have not been established fully yet within the district. A number of Departments are managed from their headquarters in neighbouring districts, which makes it complicated to co-ordinate activities within the district. Division of work between local and provincial and federal government still needs to be developed further. The responsibility for the various forms of revenue collection has not been spelled out clearly yet.

Politically, the representation of the people of Bolan is mainly ethnically determined. People lack political awareness. People are hardly organised through shared interests, non government organisations play only a minor role.
 

  

  

  

  

 

 
Mach Jail
 
 
 
Mach Bazar
5. Productive Sector
Bolan and Jhall Magsi districts were notified in 1991/92. Up to now, time series of data are mainly registered according to the administrative boundaries of the former district Kachhi. Hardly any separate data are kept. Therefore little can be said about the current trends within Bolan district. Wherever required statistics have been interpolated from earlier joined figures based on the administrative boundaries of Kachhi district.

Agriculture is a major productive sector in Bolan district. Other sectors, which play a role in the economy of the district, are mining, trade and commerce, livestock, horticulture and government services. Wheat and fodder are the main subsistence crops, while tomatoes, rape seed and citrus are major cash crops. Comparatively, Bolan has a low per capita income from both livestock and agricultural production. It has hardly activities in the field of fisheries, forestry or industry.

The role of women in agriculture and livestock production is not recorded, although they play a major role in collection of herbal bushes, cutting of grass and providing logistical support during the cultivation process.

5.1     Agriculture/Horticulture
5.1.1  Introduction
The horticultural sector is not highly developed, because of lack of irrigation facilities and perennial water-springs. However, according the Agricultural Statistics 1994/95, the area under irrigation surpasses the rain-fed area. The existing horticulture is limited to a specific area. Crops grown in this area are tomatoes, fodder, rape-seed, wheat and citrus.

5.1.2 Classification of Land
The land of Bolan district is alluvial/Kacca (65 to 70%) and stony (30 to 35%). The land is fertile but does not have large water resources and is divided into levelled, non-levelled, irrigated and non-irrigated land.

5.1.3 Land ownership and Tenure system
The land tenure system in Bolan district is predominantly according to the Sardari system and Chief system. Officially, the number of big landowners is small, but in practice there are many. Since the land reforms introduced during the period of Ayub Khan and Z.A.Bhutto, irrigated and non-irrigated land in excess was allocated to tenants, but they only own the land in name. However, there is a large number of middle class landowners too.

The land tenure system is tough for the tenants because of the high dependency on rain water. Large parts of the land holdings are lying idle because of a water shortage, which is a major constraint for crop production.

The social situation of tenants is miserable with little education and health facilities for them and their dependants. Tenants are dependent on the landowners for financial and political support.

5.1.4 Agricultural Statistics
Major Crops (1995)
Wheat and fodder are the main subsistence crops, while tomatoes, rape seed, melon and citrus are major cash crops.
 
Crop Area in Hectares Production in Tonnes Average yields in Kgs/Hectare
Wheat
9,650
22,420
2,323
Rice
500
1,100
2,200
Fruits
221
1,936
8,760
Jowar
7,800
7,450
955
Fodder
7,075
183,240
25,900
Barley
850
850
1,000
Rape seed
9,100
5,400
593
Onion
150
2,400
16,000
Vegetable
965
15,240
15,793
Melons
1,155
20,560
17,801
Source: Agricultural Statistics 1994/95

5.1.5 Cropping Pattern
Because of the lack of water for irrigation, the area depends on a single cropping pattern. However, in the areas where adequate water is available for irrigation, the mixed cropping pattern is applied.

5.1.6 Average Yields Total production
In comparison to the other districts within Nassirabad division the average yields per hectare are relatively low. In absolute figures Bolan district produces relatively more vegetables, tomatoes and melons than the other districts.

5.1.7 Organisation of production/farming systems
In Bolan district, men are the visible workers. In majority they are hired to cultivate the land of the land owner on fixed terms. Female participation in agriculture is indirect and limited to extending a helping hand. Wheat for example is cultivated by men, but at the time of harvesting the whole family helps on the field. Women also participate in the cleaning of food grains. The above applies to all other crops too.

According to the Agricultural Statistics 1994/95 about 50 percent of the cultivated area is current fallow.

5.1.8 Irrigation
Only 26,200 hectares are under, mainly canal, irrigation. Out of these only about 3,500 hectares are irrigated through tube wells, wells or karezes.

As classified by the Irrigation Department, 25 percent of the area is rain fed or dependent on rain water for cultivation. Seventy percent of the area depends on flood irrigation. The perennial water supply also depends largely on rain. In case of no rain, both sources shrink. This threatens the major source of livelihood in the district. The two major perennial canals are Dhadar canal and Inami canal. They both have an average capacity of 78 cusecs (cubic feet per second).

The sources of water for irrigation are not properly utilised. The number of tube-wells in the district is limited. The Nari river holds potential for the irrigation of a major area of the district, but irrigation from this river is not systematized. According to the Irrigation Department, the river holds capacity for 150,000 cusecs, Irrigation from the Nari river could, if systematized, give an economic and agricultural boost to the people of Bolan.
 
Irrigation Sources Ha. ‘93-’94 Ha. ‘94-’95
Tube Wells
1,500
1,896
Open Surface Well
840
840
Karezes
1,000
1,000
Spring    
Flood Irrigation    
Perennial River    
Canals Flood
22,500
22,500
Run-off    
Rain-fed    
Total
25,840
26,236
Source: Agricultural Statistics 1994 -1995

Better water resource arrangements can promote the sector. In the villages of Noshero and Kot Mengal, where sugarcane is produced, it was unanimously decided to explore underground water sources and construct dams and a flood water storage. The construction of delay dams will be very important for flood water management. Another important issue in the development of agricultural production in Bolan concerns the levelling of land. This would require bulldozing arrangements.

5.1.9 Agricultural Mechanisation
There is a shift from traditional cultivation to modern agricultural mechanisation. Tractors are used in cultivation and sowing. Wheat threshing is done by tractor-run thresher. The total number of tractors owned by landowners in the district is 125. In addition about 20 government owned tractors are mentioned in the Agricultural Statistics 1994/95 as well. Machines are also used to spray cotton and horticultural products. The use of tube-wells is growing: in 1994-95 there were 158 tube wells, 71 percent of which run on diesel and 29 percent on electric motors.

5.1.10 Agricultural/Horticultural Inputs
The major agriculture inputs are seeds, fertilisers and mechanical devices. Seeds and fertilisers are usually supplied by middle men and stockists. Supply through government channels is rare. In Bolan district the use of fertilisers is little compared to other parts of the country: in 1995 the total use in Bolan was 6 tons a year, compared to e.g. 57 tons in Nasirabad.

The major inputs for horticulture are root stock (plants), fertilisers and smudge. Smudge or smoky fires are lit during night time in the months of December and January to save the young plants from dew. In horticulture the use of seeds as input is negligible. The use of root stock is also required for the cultivation of bamboo.

5.1.11 Marketing
Marketing is in the hands of private enterprise. Jacobabad is the biggest grain market for the area. The Agricultural Marketing Regulation Act 1991 is in function since June 1996. The act is supposed to reduce the middle men's role in marketing and to fix the commodity prices, but the system is not fully operational yet. The middle men still have considerable influence, as the producers, who only have little commercial and marketing knowledge, find it more convenient to sell their crops to middle men, than to take the marketing of their products into their own hands.

5.1.12 Producer and Consumer Prices of major Crops
Price control is in the hands of commission agents (Dalal). These are professionals in the art of settling prices between growers and buyers. In Bolan there is not any market committee as is the case in Dera Murad Jamali or other cities. Because of their poor financial situation in the last few months before harvesting, the crop producers take loans from the commission agents or from those who work for the leading grain buyers. The terms fix the payment they receive soon after the corps are harvested.

5.1.13 Levels of Income
The level of income from agriculture is far below the average in Balochistan. The level of income can be raised with the development of the agricultural sector. Reliable statistical data on the level of income is not available, but comparative calculations are given in Annex 6.

5.1.14 Department of Agriculture
There are two Extra-Assistant Directors for Agriculture at district level. One of them is in charge of extension work. Because of the lack of irrigation water for agricultural and horticultural purposes, the extension wing in Bolan is not very active.

5.1.15     Go/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Agricultural Development.
 
Coverage Agr. Services
Local Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Federal
Govt.
NGO
Intern.
Donor
Private
Entr.
Agr. Extension
-
xxx
x
-
x
xxx
Input Supply
-
xxx
-
-
x
xxx
Marketing
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
Price setting
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
Agr. Credit
-
xxx
x
-
-
-
Irrigation Devt.
-
xxx
x
-
-
-
O&M Irrigation
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Agr. Mechanisation
-
xxx
-
-
-
x
Agr. Statistics
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Agr. Research
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Agr. Training/Education
-
xxx
x
-
-
-
Legend:     - no involvement
                x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

5.1.16 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Actual agricultural production is clear, but how that relates to its potential is unknown. Agricultural income per capita is low and mainly depending on the production of tomatoes and melons.

The agriculture and horticulture sectors are underdeveloped because of lack of irrigation water. Better water resource arrangements can promote the sector. In the villages of Noshero and Kot Mengal, where sugarcane is produced, it was unanimously decided to explore underground water sources and construct dams and a flood water storage. The construction of delay dams will be very important for flood water management. Another important issue in the development of agricultural production in Bolan concerns the levelling of land. This would require bulldozing arrangements.

5.2 Livestock
5.2.1 Introduction
Livestock figures for Bolan district are not available. The table underneath indicate the livestock census figures of 1986 for Kachhi district, i.e. for Bolan and Jhal Magsi district together. The 1996 figures are extrapolated from the 1986 figures. Based on those figures it is concluded that the livestock sector is relatively underdeveloped within the district. The per capita livestock population is comparatively low.
 
Livestock census Kachhi district.
1986
1996
Sheep
48,309
77,398
Goats
165,542
287,398
Cattle
70,067
 
Dairy Cattle*
1000
 
Horses
3,260
 
Donkeys
17,894
23,464**
Camels
9,335
10,312
Mule
88
 
Buffaloes
1552
 
Poultry
112,321
 
Total Livestock Units
428,368
246,704
* dairy cattle are mainly cows; buffaloes are rare because of lack of water.
** the figure of 23,464 includes all draught animals, i.e. horses, donkeys and mules
Source: Livestock Census 1986 and P&DD Livestock Survey 1996.

Though underdeveloped, the livestock sector has potential to support the livelihood of the rural population. Women, in particular, are active in the sector in terms of milking, milk processing, clearing the abodes, preparing the fodder and looking after diseases through traditional healing. The role of women in the livestock sector is hardly recognised.

5.2.2 Cattle
The large ruminant sector, i.e. cows and buffaloes, provides some livelihood to the villagers. Cows are held for dairy and breeding. Buffaloes are rare in the area because of the lack of water and pasture.

Camels, horses, mules and donkeys are used for traction and transport. They are taken care of and bred without much support sought or secured from the Livestock Department. Pack animals are still important to the economy of lower and middle class people, particularly in rural areas.

5.2.3 Small Ruminants
People are more inclined to breed small ruminants, like sheep and goats. They are the major source of livelihood for a large number of people in the district. An average goats herd comprises seventy to hundred goats. The size of a sheep herd is smaller. Goats are bred for meat, dairy and trade. Breeding of small ruminants is done in traditional ways. Government hardly pays any attention to the promotion of small ruminants breeding, though Bolan still has unexploited potential for the sector. There is enough grazing land and labour (children and elderly people) available.

5.2.4 Poultry
Poultry farming is a women’s task. They sell the eggs and chickens on nearby markets or to middle men to obtain some additional income, who resell them on markets in Dhadar, Sibi and Quetta. In that way poultry farming provides a source of income to the lower and middle class population in urban and rural areas. The poultry sector in the district has been growing especially in rural areas. The sector could be further developed, but lack of funds and knowledge on how to prevent diseases are major constraints. One in five households in the rural area keeps poultry. The number of hens varies from 7 to 70.

There are two poultry farms owned by the government. Ten farms are privately owned.

5.2.5 Disease Control
Poultry is most threatened by New Castle, a mortal disease. Farmi (both broiler and layer) chickens are more susceptible to this disease than Desi (domestic) chickens. The number of people approaching the Livestock Department for poultry disease control is increasing.

5.2.6 Veterinary Institutions
There is no veterinary institution in Bolan district that provides training. The Assistant Director and Veterinary Officers in different parts of the district take care of people's problems regarding diseases. Their services are not free, but prices are low. Vaccination is free for livestock and poultry

5.2.7 Department of Livestock Development
At the district level the Livestock Department is headed by an Assistant Director (BPS 18). He is assisted by five veterinary officers (BPS 17), of which two in Dhadar, one in Bhag and one in Mach. Each officer has a number of stock assistants. The Assistant Director and veterinary officers are Master degree holders in veterinary sciences.

5.2.8 Go/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Livestock Development
All livestock services are supplied by the government. Except in slaughtering, the private sector is hardly involved in service delivery in the livestock sector as indicated in the table below.
 
Coverage Livestock 

Services

Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Intern.
donor
Private
Enterpr.
Animal Husbandry
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
Veterinary Hospital
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Veterinary Dispensary
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
A.I. Service
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Input Supply
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Marketing
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Price Setting
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
Credit
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Dairy Devt.
-
xxx
-
-
-
x
Slaughtering
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
Livestock statistics
-
xx
-
-
-
-
Legend :     - no involvement
                    x minor involvement
                    xx substantial involvement
                    xxx major involvement

5.2.9 Conclusion and Major Development Issues
The underdevelopment of the livestock sector is a major development issue. People are informally familiar with the breeding and looking after of small ruminants and poultry. The provision of adequate information about loans and possible supervision of their utilisation by the authorities would bring fruitful results. The Livestock Department and the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan can be helpful in this respect.

The promotion of the livestock sector, particularly small ruminants and poultry, can increase the income level of the lower and middle classes of society. If the government provides the people small loans, adequate health facilities for small-holders and landless farmers and necessary training in small ruminants and poultry breeding, this would be advantageous for the livestock sector.

5.3 Fisheries
5.3.1 Introduction
The district lacks a large fishery potential. Fishing is possible only in Nari river and Bolan Weir (dam). The fishing chances are larger during flood days, when water flows from the mountains through Nari river to Mancher lake (in Sindh). According to the Fishery Officer, fish come in abundance in opposite direction and can easily be netted.

5.3.2 Fish Species composition
There are four species found in the Bolan district. They all live in hot area where water temperature is warm. They all are surface and mid water fishes: Rahao (Labeo Rohita), Thella (Catla Catla), Moraki (Cirrihina Mirgla) and Black Moli. All four of them can be found throughout the year; the first two species more than the other two.

5.3.3 Fish catch time series
Fishing is prohibited during the mating-season from 1 June to 31 August. Most fish is caught during the flood season, when plenty of fish flows from Mancher.

5.3.4 Fishing techniques
Fish is caught with traditional techniques with hooks and nets. There are two kinds of netting, technically called Cost Nets and Gill Nets. Both kinds are permitted during the fishing season under license issued by the Fisheries Departments in Sibi and Nasirabad. There is another technique, prohibited by law, illegally used in stagnant water by throwing a gelatine bomb. It suffocates fishes by bringing them to surface.

5.3.5 Marketing/Processing
Most of the fish is sold in cities. The fishermen sell their fish directly in Dhadar and Sibi bazaar. The total volume of fish caught is too small to set up specific organisations for marketing or processing.

5.3.6 Department of Fisheries Development
There is no full-fledged Department of Fisheries at district level. There is a Fishery Officer at Dhadar with his lower staff including Inspectors, Assistant Inspectors and Watchers. Usually there is an Assistant Director of Fisheries at district level.

The Fisheries Department distributes seeds from June to September to all those who are interested in fish farming, free of cost. However, though the four most common species of fish can be successfully held in ponds, fish farms hardly exists.

5.3.7 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Fisheries Development
Coverage Fisheries 
Services
Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Internat.
donor
Private
enterpr.
Fishing
x
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
Processing
-
-
-
-
-
xxx
Marketing
-
-
-
-
-
xxx
Fishing gear manufacture
-
-
-
-
-
-
Legend:     - no involvement
                 x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

5.3.8 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Fishing is not a developed sector in Bolan district. There is a dearth of water for fishing purpose at large. River Nari, Bolan and natural ponds are fished by private parties at a minor level. A limited number of professionals fish the Nari river. However, in Nari and Bolan Weir area fishing can be developed, if NGOs and government would make an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of fishery to the area where perennial water is available . Funds are needed for the purpose.

5.4 Forestry
5.4.1 Introduction
The forestry sector is under-developed in Bolan district. The potential for forestry is not yet explored. There is hardly any forest reserve and commercial forestry (plantations) development does not exist.
 
 
1992
Forest Reserve (Ha)
0
Forest Plantation
95
Tree planting  
Forest Production
nil
Re-afforestation
nil
Private forest
500**
Source: Sibi Forest Division
** A large area in the district, wildly grown, is private forest. A large area, such as in Direnjin is illegally occupied.

5.4.2 Forestry Reserve (state forests)
A Forest Reserve or State Forest in a province or district can be defined as "Any forest or waste-land which is the property of government, or over which the government has proprietary rights, or to the whole or any part of the forest-produce of which the Government is entitled. The state reserve in Bolan district is limited to the following plantations by the Sibi Forest Division, which belongs to the Forest department.
 
Forest area
Area
Dhadar
7 Ha
Darez Band
60 Ha
Gokart
11 Ha
Direnjin
17 Ha
Source: Sibi Forest Division

5.4.3 Commercial Forestry (Plantations)
In Bolan there is no commercial forestry run by the government. Private commercial forestry is also limited. There are a few plantations in the district, including Direnjin, Drazbent and Bamboo (at Dhadar). The potential for bamboo cultivation is large, but people invest little in this sector. Now, however, encouraged by the commercial benefits of bamboo cultivation in the neighbouring district Sibi, people become more interested. Commercial forestry is growing without any government support. More NGO involvement would be advantageous.

5.4.4 Major vegetation
Major vegetation consists of bushy grazing land. However spotted trees grow all over the district and the following species are rather common: eucalyptus, acacia, dalbergia, zizyphis, albizzia, azadricha, presepis juliflora, panicum, antidetals, and alhagae camalorum.

5.4.5 Cutting/Marketing/Processing
Tree cutting, marketing and processing is done privately. According to the DFO Office, even government auctions trees from government areas, e.g. trees that have been cut to widen canals, have been auctioned to private contractors. Farmers also auction trees to private contractors, because contractors have better facilities for cutting, loading and processing. Cutting, marketing and processing is rare in Bolan district (compared to other districts of Nasirabad divisions).

5.4.6 Department of Forestry
Forestry is little developed in Balochistan. It is dealt with under the old Forest Regulation Act 1890. The Bolan district still comes under the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Sibi and no separate district level management or forest census exists for the district. At the district level there is a Range Officer (BPS 16). He is assisted by a limited number of forest guards, gardeners, watchmen and a clerk. Balochistan wildlife comes under the Forestry Department. The range officer is also accountable for the conservation of wildlife.

5.4.7 Wildlife
As in all Balochistan, wildlife in Bolan district is faced with a threat of extinction. The area used to be teemed with a number of wildlife species (birds and animals) a few decades ago, but nowadays their number has considerably dropped. The major factors accountable for this is excessive shooting, poaching and netting by professional hunters.

Among the non-migratory bird species are the grey partridge, siisi and chakoor. Migratory birds, visiting the area in winters from Central Asia, include the sand grouse, houbara bustard and ducks (in Nari area and Bolan weir). Animal species include jackals, foxes, wolves and rabbits. Wolves are found in a great number because of the many sheep in the district. Still their number has decreased as a result of excessive shooting. Their skins are sold on the market at high prices. There used to be deer and wild goats in the west of Bolan in the near past, but they have been annihilated by hunters. Wildlife shooting is common among the district population, both poor and rich, and therefore one of the factors accountable for wildlife extinction.

5.4.8 Bee-keeping
Bee-keeping is uncommon in Bolan district. Honey is collected from wild bees. Only at one place in Dhadar a few beehives have been seen in a private orange garden. Commercial bee-keeping is not viable because of the meagre flora in the district.

5.4.9 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in forestry development
Only a few organisations are involved in the forestry sector. Besides government and private enterprise involvement, an NGO, (BRSP) is involved in Bolan district by providing funds and guidelines for tree plantation.
 
Coverage Forestry 
Services
Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Internat
donor
Private
enterpr
Tree planting
-
xxx
-
x
x
xxx
Tree harvesting
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
Fuel wood cutting/ 

processing

-
xx
-
-
-
xx
Fuel wood marketing
-
xx
-
-
-
xxx
Timber wood cutting
-
-
-
-
-
-
Timber wood processing
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sale of timber
-
-
-
-
-
-
Game ranches
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bee keeping
-
-
-
-
-
x
Legend:     - no involvement
                 x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

5.4.10 Conclusion and major development issues
Forestry is a neglected sector in Bolan district. The provincial government and private sector put effort in its development, but growth of forestry remains slow as a result of inadequate rainfall and perennial water. Trees and bushes are often cut for fuel, cooking and construction purposes. Private initiative in artificial plantations with e.g. Kikar (Acacia Nilotica), Nim and Eucalyptus remains unsatisfactory, though the area has good potential. Forestry could have commercial benefits for farmers, but they are not prepared to wait the seven to ten years it takes before a forestry venture becomes profitable.

5.5 Mining
5.5.1 Introduction
Coal mining and stone crushing are important mining activities within the district. Actual employment data are not known, but both mines and stone crushers are there of various sizes.

There are 75-80 number of stone crushers in the Dhadar and Mach sub-divisions, employing many people. The crushers are private property, except for one which is run by the National Logistics Cell (NLC).

5.5.2 Mineral Resources
Coal-industry in Bolan district constitutes a considerable share of the overall coal production in Balochistan. There are a total of 40 coal mines, all located in Mach sub-division. Their length varies from 300 to 600 metres.

Profile of Coal Production of Bolan District
 
Year
Tonnes
1985/86
111,415
1986/87
184,514
1987/88
296,390
1988/89
329,611
1989/90
327,390
1990/91
443,713
1991/92
358,601
1992/93
403,693
1993/94
321,739
 Source: Directorate of Minerals, Quetta.

Chromite is an unexplored sector. It is largely found in Sanni-Suran area, but the Rind Sardars, nor the government show much interest to explore the mineral.

5.5.3 Mines and Production, Processing & Marketing
A miner is paid per bag weighing 100 kilograms. The miners undergo great risks doing their jobs. The majority of mines are reached through narrow tunnels, supported by wooden pillars, which many a time have collapsed and suffocated labourers inside. Poor standards are adopted for the ratio of oxygen, which is not to be less than 17% to 21%. The coal mines in Mach area are not very deep, though some of them are now digging at a depth of over 300 metres.

Despite the production figures of the Directorate of Mineral Development above, the actual production figures of the coal mines are not available. The above mentioned figures are the registered production figures, but it is clear from local resources, that much of the exploited coal is not registered and marketed outside the official channels.

5.5.4 Department of Industries and Mineral Development
All mines come under the management of the PMDC (Pakistan Mining Development Corporation) and Directorate of Mineral Development in Quetta. Legislation for coal mines is provided for in the Mines Regulations Act of 1926 and the Mines Act of 1923.

5.5.5 GO/NGO Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Mining
 
Coverage Mining 
Services
Local. 
Govt.
Prov. 
Govt.
Fed. 
Govt.
NGO Internat. 
donor
Private 
enterpr.
Mining
-
x
-
-
x*
xxx
Processing            
Transportation
-
-
-
-
-
xxx
Legend :     - no involvement
                  x minor involvement
                  xx substantial involvement
                  xxx major involvement

*According to the Chief Inspectorate of Mines, Balochistan, the ILO has been providing vehicles and training programs for engineers/rescue teams.

5.5.6 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The Bolan area is rich in two mineral commodities: coal and chromate. Coal is mined in the area around Mach. Chromite is an unexplored sector, but it seems largely found in Sanni-Suran area. Little interest is shown by the government to explore the mineral officially.

5.6 Industry and Manufacturing
5.6.1 Introduction
The area lacks industrial development. Bolan is one of the districts in Balochistan which have no industry or manufacturing. There is home industry of women producing embroidery work. Small industry development includes the manufacturing of shoes, caps, mattresses, and carpets manufacturing in small enterprises at homes and in the shops.

5.6.2 Small Enterprise Development
The district’s largest small enterprise for leather embroidery is located in Lehri. Approximately 100 leather items, including hand-bags, bags, spectacle boxes, belts, shoes, key chains and brief-cases are manufactured here. Around 500 persons, including women, are involved in the production of leather goods. Most people work part-time. The Small Industries Department has opened sale shops for leather goods made in Lehri, Quetta, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Ziarat (in summer).

The Lehri small arms industry is also famous all over the province. It is the only enterprise engaged in arms production that is run privately. There are 7 to 10 families involved in the industry for three generations now. In total there were six shops at Lehri. In 1962, they obtained a permit and were regularly inaugurated by President Ayub Khan at Mastung. The weapons are hand-made and include single and double barrel shot-guns, pistols, revolvers and daggers. Swords are produced on special order only. Some were exhibited on the Sibi annual fair in March 1996. The manufacturers were awarded by the President of Pakistan for their sophisticated designs. They have requested the government to issue a license to import Belgium steel for the production of barrels. Three elder craftsmen, Amir Haider, Mohammad Yaqoob and Hazoor Baksh are famous for their expertise.

The carpet industry is developed in Mach Central Jail, where a large number of prisoners are trained in the art of carpet making. After they have served their time, they could promote the art in the district, but often they lack infrastructure and finances to do so.

There are two carpet centres run under the Directorate of Small Industries, at Mach and Lehri. Together they employ approximately 150 workers.

5.6.3 Trade (import/export)
The output of manufacturing is too small to be exported. Besides, manufacturers lack export facilities. Leather products are sometimes bought up to be exported, but this is not on record.

5.6.4 Tourism (Picnic/Archaeological Spots)
No tourism industry or site is worth mentioning in Bolan district. With the exception of two picnic sites at Pir Ghaib and Kondalani, there is no picnic spot worth mentioning. A large number of people from Quetta and Mach travel to Pir Ghaib (in summer and winter) for recreation. Kondalani attracts visitors from Dhadar, Sibi and Mach. In summer, any place with trees and water may function as a picnic spot.

The ruins of Mehr Garh are an important archaeological site in Bolan district. The site is situated in the Mehr Garh village, 130 km south-west of Quetta. A kacha road near Dhadar leads to the site. The excavation, which came under the supervision of a team of French archaeologists in 1988, is believed to be over 9,000 years old. A number of items found in the ruins of Mehr Garh are stored in the Victoria Hall at Sibi and in the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi. Mehr Garh can be visited under levy escort provided by the District Administration. At a 15 km distance from Mehr Garh are the ruins of Noshero, but the excavation is not fully dug out. The ruins of Noshero are also very old.

Both sites can be developed from a tourism point of view, but, with a view on the kacha road and the ongoing tribal enmity between the Raisani and the Rind, this will not be feasible for the near future.

5.6.5 Handicrafts
Handicrafts include embroidery work, leather embroidery, caps, mattresses and carpets.

Handicraft industry in which women are involved at the household level is not developed. Their skill and craft is wasting as there is no proper outlet.

5.6.6 Directorate of Small Industries
Although the Directorate runs some business in the district, it is not represented within Bolan district.

5.6.7 GO/NGO/SMD etc. involvement in Industrial Development Services.
 
Coverage Commercial Services
Local
Govt.
Prov. Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Internat.
donor
Private
enterpr.
Vocational Training
-
x
-
-
-
x
Management Training
-
-
-
-
-
-
Acquisition
-
-
-
x
-
-
Public Relations
-
-
-
-
-
-
Credit
-
-
-
-
-
-
Marketing
-
-
-
-
-
-
Legend:   - no involvement
                x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

5.6.9 Conclusion and Major Development Issues
There is no large scale industry in the area. The only current development is in the field of small industries. Government support for small industries is however not very encouraging. The potential for small industries can be explored by extending financial and technical assistance to the manufacturers. It can be promoted by providing training to the local people in the field of traditional crafts like carpet and gun making. Home industry, e.g. embroidery work done by women, can be promoted without much financial costs for the government. The establishment of Small Industries Estates at Dhadar, Lehri and Mach may be considered.

6. Economic Infrastructure and Communications
6.1 Introduction
The national highway from Quetta to Jacobadad passes through the district, as does the railway. Sibi airport is the nearest airport. Only about 3% of the villages is supplied with electricity.

6.2 Roads
The data from different sources on road connections within the district vary. The federal government, as well as the provincial government and the district council, all are responsible for the maintenance of certain parts of the road network. Some of the roads have been constructed within some of the towns/villages with MPA funds by the district council/local bodies authorities. None of the sources give a total overview and therefore it is not sure, whether the overview underneath, does not include certain overlaps.  
 
Type of road
National
Highway
Provincial
Roads
District
Council
Other Agencies
Total
Metalled
185
60
15*
nil
260
Shingle
0
356
   
356
Total
185
416
15
 
601
* constructed within some of the towns/villages with MPA funds by District Council/Local Bodies authorities.

The road link from urban to rural areas is not metalled at large. By bus it takes one hour to travel the hundred km journey from Dhadar to the interior of Dhadar. Taking the shingle road from Dhadar to Sanni and Suran as an example; it takes four to five hours to cover a distance of 100 km.

6.3 Transport
Registration numbers are issued by the Sibi District Excise Office. (**) In Bolan there are not many vehicles registered by the D.C. Office. If registration was assigned to the Excise and Taxation Department in Bolan, the number of registrations would increase rapidly.
 
Type of Vehicle Registered in Dist. 1996
Trucks  
Buses/Mini Buses
5
Cars, Jeeps, Taxis
32
M-Cycle, Scooters
16
Camel/horse/donkey cart
Nil
Tractors  
6.4 Rail and Airways
The railway track going through Bolan district is 140 km: 90 km from Kolpur to Nari bank (18 km before Sibi junction) and 50 km from Sibi onward to the last railway station within Bolan district. Main railways stations are Kolpur, Mach, Abagum, Dhangar, Landsay, and Belpat (now called Baktiarabad, named after the father of Chakar Khan Domki: Baktiar Khan Domki). In total there are 20 tunnels between Kolpur and Nari bank stations. They were all constructed in the period 1892-94 and bear the names given by British railway officers, like Mary Jane, Windy Corner, Cascade, P.R. Panjeh, etc. No considerable expansion has been made in the railways since the partition in 1947. At a distance of 27 km, Sibi airport is the nearest airport for people visiting Dhadar.

6.5 Radio and Television
Bolan does not have a radio or TV station of its own. Still, radio is a major source of entertainment. TV-sets are commonly found in places where there is electricity. TV transmission is available through a booster. According to the D.C. Office the approximate number of TV-sets in Bolan is 10,000, though hardly 20 individuals carry a license.

6.6 Telecommunication
The cities of Dhadar and Mach are linked with a dial system. There is a small digital exchange designed for Sardar Yar Khan Rind at Suran. The cities of Lehri and Bhag have an operator trunk dialling system with a manual exchange system. Highly-placed persons (MPA, MNA, etc.) in the district are facilitated with direct dialling from Sibi and Dhadar.  

Sub Division
Exchange Capacity
Main Connection
Dhadar
300
157
Lehri
100
100
Mach
400
298
Shuran
100
38
                         Source: Divisional Engineer, Sibi.

6.7 Post Office/Courier Service
There are two categories of post offices: sub post offices and extra-departmental branch post offices. The former are regular post offices. The extra-departmental branches are run by businessmen who offer postal services in addition to their regular business, e.g. in a shop, someone's store or Bhatak (sitting place). The extra-departmental branches render services irregularly. Nonetheless, they cater to the needs for postal service of people in remote areas, as they take care of incoming and outgoing mail and provide registration facilities. The owners of extra-departmental branches are paid 590 Rupees per month. They come under the Superintendent of the post office at Sibi and are regularly visited by the post office supervisor.

There are a total of 30 post offices in the district. There is no courier service. As observed and confirmed, people hand over their packets and parcels to the drivers of buses, mini-buses and flying coaches to be delivered in Quetta, Sibi, Nasirabad, etc.

6.8 Banking/Financial Services
The total number of banks in the district is eight. There are three branches of the United Bank Limited (UBL) at Bhag, Dhadar, and Mach respectively. The National Bank (NBP), the government bank run on commercial basis, has one branch at Dhadar and one at Mach. The Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) with branches in Dhadar and Bhag gives credit and loans to landowners and farmers for agricultural purposes. There are no specific credit facilities to generate income available for women.

6.9 Electricity and Gas
Twenty one villages in Bolan district have been electrified during the last decade. The provision of electricity under the WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) is federally financed. The Bolan district electrification system is linked with two grids of 132 KV (132,000 voltage) at Bhag and Mach. Most supply comes from Mach grid, which in turn receives electricity from Gudoo barrage. It is carried through 11 KV and high tension lines. The electricity division is in Sibi under an executive engineer for WAPDA. A sub-divisional officer (SDO) sits in Mach.

The electricity supply to the entire area, falling under Bolan district, is through five feeders in Dhadar, Bhag, Lehri, Mach Mithri. There are five categories of connections: domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and bulk. The connection record includes all, however, most connections are domestic.

According to the Project Director Office WAPDA for Rural Electrification, the scattered lay-out of villages impedes their electrification, which explains the small number of electrified villages.

The gas supply is provided to urban areas and some villages, like Mach, Bhag, Lehri, Belpat and Dhadar. After Quetta and Sibi, the district has the largest number of gas connections installed. Provision of gas to villages lying within 30 km (under the "30 km policy") is not implemented.

6.10 Rest Houses
There are a total of nine rest houses in Bolan district. Except for the one at Mach of B&R department, which is occupied by Sibi Scouts, they are available for visitors to stay with the permission of concerned authorities.  
 
Department Dhadar Lehri Bathtiarabad Mach Bhag
B&R Dept.
1
1
2
1
0
Irrigation Dept.
1
0
1
0
0
Local Govt.
0
1
0
0
0
 
There are not any motels or tourist hotels along the highways, though there are some places offering food and drinks for bus travellers and truck-drivers. They are open twenty-four hours a day with tea and food facilities. By exception it is possible to stay for a night, but they do not provide regular hotel facilities.

In Dhadar, Mach and Bhag, the hotel/restaurant facilities are limited to the serving of food and tea. They have limited room for rent without proper comforts.

6.11 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Energy, Transport and Communications Development
Coverage Economic 
Infrastructure Services
Local Govt.
Prov. 
Govt
Fed. 
Govt.
NGO
Internat. 
donor
Private 
enterpr
Road Works
-
xxx
xxx
-
-
-
Transport
-
xx
-
-
-
xx
Railway
-
-
xxx
-
-
-
Airway
-
-
-
-
-
-
Radio & Television
-
-
xx
-
-
-
Banking/Financial 

Institutions

-
-
xx
-
-
-
Electricity
-
-
xxx
-
-
-
Gas
-
-
xxx
-
-
-
Rest Houses
-
xx
-
-
-
-
Legend:     - no involvement
                  x minor involvement
                 xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

6.12 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The economic infrastructure and communications development in the district is not satisfactory. They are worse in rural areas. The road link from urban to rural areas is not metalled at large. The only good road is the national highway passing through the district from Quetta to Jacobabad. Taking the shingle road from Dhadar to Sanni and Suran as an example; it takes four to five hours to cover a distance of 100 km. The construction of roads within the district will improve the socio-cultural exposure of rural people.

The area has made progress in gas and electricity supply. Gas is provided in major towns. The provision of gas to the villages lying within 30 km (under the 30 km policy) is not implemented. The provision of electricity has improved, but demand for further electrification is still high.
 

  

  

  

  

 

Sanni Suran
 
 
Bolan Pass

7.     Social Infrastructure
7.1   Water Supply
The supply of fresh water is one of the major problems the district is faced with. The area lacks clean and safe water. Bolan district comes under the Public Health Engineering Department of Sibi Division, but it seems that there are no adequate records on the actual percentage of the population, which has access to safe and clean water.

The water supply management (schemes) is divided into the following divisions: Dhadar, Kot Khai, Shuran, Taib, Soori Bibi Nani, Mithri, Killi Bangulzai, Rind Ali, Lehri, Baktiarabad, Jalal Khan and Landhi. A number of small water supply schemes exist in the district. The water is supplied by tube-wells. There are around 28 tube-wells schemes, but some of them are not working. The water is stored in tanks. The total number of domestic connections in the district is approximately 1,200. The number of commercial connection is 14. The water supply becomes a problem when electricity is off for a longer period and the water level in the tanks drops. Each water scheme has a different "Water Supply in Gallons per day" capacity. The biggest one is Dhadar’s with 120,000 gallons.

The major part of the rural areas in Bolan district completely lacks any water supply system. Although a number of hand pumps have been installed, there is no reliable information at PHED about the actual functioning of these pumps. In these parts, water is fetched from streams and ponds. Fetching water is a women’s task. They are helped by their children. Some villages have a community tank, but these tanks do not work twenty-four hours a day.

7.1.1 Drinking Water
The provision of drinking water is one of the major problems of the district, both in urban and rural areas. The situation of clean and safe drinking water is acute in far-flung rural areas. The population of these areas fetch water from open-surface stagnant water.

7.1.2 Drinking Water Supply Administration
The drinking water supply administration primarily comes under the Public Health Engineering Department of Bolan district, which falls under the Executive Engineer Office at Sibi. A SDO is assisted by a supervisor, technicians, draftsman/valvemen and a number of operators. Previously, the Executive Engineer Office was located in Dhadar, now it has moved to Sibi. Little information is available about revenue collection by the Department.

7.1.3 Ground Water sub-sector
According to the Irrigation Department, the ground water sub-sector - if explored - can boost both drinking water supply and irrigation potential in the district. The ground water potential is greatest in Sanni sub-division.

7.1.4 Sanitation
Sanitation has not been taken over by the Public Health Engineering Department as yet. Traditionally it comes under the district administration. The LGRDD is also involved in construction of latrines at household level, but actually it awaits World Bank support to start implementation. The World Bank wants the PHED to take over sanitation.

7.1.5 Public Health Engineering Department
Public Health Engineering used to be part of the Irrigation Department, but has now become an independent department itself. At district level the Department is headed by a Sub-Divisional Officer at Dhadar. The Public Health Engineering Department is part of the Sibi Public Health Superintendent Engineering Office. The Executive Engineer post for the district has been moved from Dhadar to Sibi.

7.1.6 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Water Development
BRSP(*) is involved in some water scheme construction at Bhag, while the World Bank(**) is expected to get involved in the construction of latrines at household level.
 
Coverage Water and Sanitation Services
Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Internat.
donor
Private
enterpr.
Construction
-
xxx
-
x*
x**
-
Management
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Operation & 
Maintenance
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Legend :     - no involvement
                  x minor involvement
                 xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

7.1.7 Conclusion and major Development issues
Actual information about the accessibility to safe and clean water is not readily available. In reference to the lack of clean and safe drinking water the major development issues are operation and maintenance, i.e. management. Responsibility for operation and maintenance is not clearly defined.

Far off water resources make it a tedious task for women and children to fetch water. It is important that the sites of water tanks and taps are carefully selected. They should be easily accessible.

7.2 Health
7.2.1 Introduction
Health statistics are not readily available. Health service statistics are not uniform, but depend on the source. Different sources give different information. From the overview of sanctioned and filled posts in Annex 8 it is clear that there is a real gap between the intended number of staff and the reality.

Health Services in 1996
 
  Health Services in 1996
  No. of  
doctors
No. of 
nurses
No. of 
paramedics
No. of 
beds
No. of 
units
 
m/f
m/f
m/f
   
Hospitals
18/0
4/0
222/27
82
3
Dispensaries      
20
18
RHCs      
20
2
BHUs
1
     
9
MCH Centres        
3
Source: DHO office Bolan at Dhadar

7.2.2 Health System
Based on the health service statistics Bolan district is in a comparatively poor situation. Women, in particular do not have access to adequate health services. For instance, even though four female doctors have been sanctioned, since 1993 Bolan has not had any female medical practitioner.

7.2.3 Major Disease Incidence
The five most frequent occurring diseases are diarrhoea, malaria, gastro-enteritis, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Major factors accountable for the high incidence of these diseases are illiteracy and bad hygienic conditions. Illiteracy, particularly among women, has adverse effects on family hygiene, nutrition, health, family size and education of children. There is a high rate of infant and maternal mortality. Diseases like diarrhoea, tuberculosis and hepatitis are closely related to the unhygienic conditions prevailing in households. Diarrhoea leads to a high rate of infant mortality. There are no preventive measures against malaria and hepatitis. Tuberculosis is common among people over the age of 40.

Gastro-enteritis and hepatitis are contracted from contaminated drinking water. People and cattle often drink from the same sources. Even in towns like Bhag is clean drinking water a problem. It is quite common that people have to fetch water in drums and cans on donkey-carts from tanks at distances of more than one km away. Gastro-enteritis is common in rural and urban areas.

7.2.4 Special Health Services
There is no information about the supply of special health services within the district.

7.2.5 Administration of Health Services
The district administration of health services is headed by a District Health Officer. In its supervising capacity, the DHO Office can play an important role in the effective and efficient functioning of hospitals and dispensaries. The hospitals in Bhag and Dhadar come under a Medical Superintendent.

7.2.6 GO/NGO/private, etc. involvement in Health Development
 
 
Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Private
enterpr.
Internat.
donor
Hospitals
-
xxx
x
-
-
-
Civil Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Mobile Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Basic Health Units
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Rural Health Centre
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
MCH Centre
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
EPI Centre
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
TB Clinic
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Family Welfare Clinic
-
xxx
x
-
-
-
Family Planning Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
-
Private Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
-
Homeopathic Clinic
-
-
-
-
x
-
Hakeem/Local Medical Practitioner
-
-
-
-
xx
-
VH post
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nurse Training School
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Chemist
-
xx
-
-
xx
-
Legend:   - no involvement
                x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

7.2.7 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The health sector is underdeveloped. In spite of the increase in expenditure on health, there is high rate of infant and maternal mortality. The frequency increases with which infectious diseases like gastro-enteritis occur. Malaria, jaundice, diarrhoea and TB are common. The health infrastructure is not adequate, particularly for women. The district has four posts for female doctors in the MCH Centres, but none of them is filled , as there are not any female medical practitioners who are willing to work under the bad circumstances in these centres.

7.3 Education
7.3.1 Introduction
The district has mainly government schools; mosque schools were abolished in 1993 and merged into regular schools. There is only one private school. None of the schools has boarding facilities. No teacher training, technical or polytechnic institute exists in the district. There are no computer literacy centres. English language centres are rare.
 
  Number of pupils
Enrolment
1992
1993
1994 (m/f)
1995 (m/f)
Primary School
13,731
13,541
14,230 / 2,801
14,995 / 3,791
Middle School
1,408
1,432
1,561 / 312
1,653 / 905
High School
1,033
1,040
1,092 / 83
1,189 / 140
College
130
130
168 / 10
199 / 15
Source: DEO Bolan District

The low enrolment of girls reflects the society’s male dominance with no priority for female education. But a number of female students are enrolled in primary, middle and high schools for boys as co-education. Its number is small in case of high school, but large in case of primary schools. A number of female students study in middle schools because of the lack of girls schools. The DEO office, unlike the one in Nasirabad, did not have the separate record of female enrolments in boys schools.

7.3.2 Government School System
The majority of the schools are run by government. They come under the direct supervision of the District Education Officers at Dhadar, one male and one female. The DEO male office was established in 1986, the DEO female in 1993.

7.3.3 Primary Schools
Bolan district has 338 boys and 39 girls primary schools all over the district. Usually primary schools are in less distance than 3 to 5 km from the pupils concerned. Some parts of the district have more schools than absolutely necessary. In these cases political opponents set up different schools out of rivalry. Fifty percent of the primary school buildings have been donated by family-members or tribesmen of the respective teacher. Subsequently one uses the building as a guest house for visitors as well. In general primary schools have one to four class rooms; the majority has two rooms. Most schools have one or two teachers, but in the case of two teachers one of them is usually absent. The majority of primary school teachers are not properly qualified and lack discipline and punctuality.

The number of pupils in one class, boys and girls, varies between 25 and 40. The teacher maintains an attendance register in case of any surprise visit by the District Education or Assistant Education Officer. The condition of the majority of the school buildings is not satisfactory.

7.3.4 Vocational Training
Bolan has no vocational training institutions or schools, though there is potential for vocational training in embroidery and handicraft.

7.3.5 Middle Schools
According to the DEO there are 15 boys and 7 girls middle schools. A middle school comprises 4 to 8 rooms, including one room for the head-master.

Enrolment in middle schools is lower than the number of boys and girls actually interested attending. Many pupils, especially girls, drop out prematurely. Previously, it was possible to obtain a middle school certificate by private examination, but this is no longer allowed. The district people want more middle schools, so that more children can be further educated after primary school.

7.3.6 High Schools
Bolan district has 16 boys and 3 girls high schools. High schools are growing in strength, particularly the girls’ schools. High school buildings, like the middle school buildings, are publicly owned. A high school comprises 5 to 8 rooms. The discipline, and academic standard of a high school depends on the role of head-master and senior teachers.

Dhadar has a private boys’ model school, were boys prepare for matriculation for high schools. This model school is better administrated than government schools.

7.3.7 Intermediate College
There is only one intermediate college at Bhag, attended by both boys and girls. The classes for girls are held in the evening. They are taught by male lecturers and assistant professors. According to the Principal of the college, the number of female students is increasing. Total staff comprises 17 teachers, including the Principal.

7.3.8 School Administration
The school administration at primary, middle and high schools exists of a head master, teachers, clerks and peons. The grade (BPS) of a head master can vary from primary, middle to high school level, according to his/her experience.

The Parent Teachers School Management Committees do play a supporting role.

 

Map Distribution of schools in Bolan District

 

 

 

 

7.3.9 School Buildings
Primary school buildings are in a poor condition. They are frequently used for other purposes than teaching and therefore not properly looked after. Middle and High School buildings are in better shape. They have toilets, water and play-ground facilities.

7.3.10 GO/NGO/private etc. involvement in Education Development
One NGO, named SCOPE , contracted by the Primary Education Directorate under SAP, is trying to set-up more community based schools in Bolan district in future.
 
 
Local
Govt.
Prov.
Govt.
Fed.
Govt.
NGO
Private
 
Internat.
donor
Mohallah/ 

Home school

-
xxx
-
x
-
-
Mosque school
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Primary school
-
xxx
-
xx
-
-
Vocational training
-
-
-
x
-
-
Middle schools
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
High schools            
College
-
 
-
-
-
-
Teacher training
-
--
-
-
-
-
University
-
-
-
-
-
-
Legend:   - no involvement
                x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

7.3.11 Conclusion and major Development Issues
The education sector in the district is not well developed. Steps have been taken to improve primary, middle and high school education, but on the whole the development is lagging behind. Primary schools are enough in number, but the condition of the school buildings, school management and teaching performance is unsatisfactory. The number of primary schools for boys and girls has increased, but they are poorly facilitated: they have e.g. no washrooms, no playgrounds or no residential accommodation for the teachers.

Most schools are government schools. One school is managed by the DC office and 12 schools are community run. There are separate District Education Officers for boys and girls. The District Female Education Office was established in 1993. According to the District Education Officer sources and educated public opinion, the drop-out rate for girls and boys has decreased, due to NGO and government efforts for free distribution of books and curricula.

Spreading of education is not easy in areas like Bolan, with poor road and communication conditions. The quality of education, particularly in rural areas, is very poor. As observed in a number of primary and middle schools, teachers lack basic skills. The condition of schools in towns in better. Teacher training is essential to set standards for quality education.

Enrolment of girls in primary, middle and high schools is increasing. Still, again the major problem in the promotion of female education is the social system in rural areas, which provides few incentives for female education. A separate girls’ college is required, as due to social constraints, many girls are not allowed to attend schools with male teachers.

There is a lack of gender desegregated data on drop-out rates and teachers/ students ratio. Such data are essential to be considered for development efforts to be directed in the right direction.

7.4     Sports
7.4.1  Introduction
The sports sector is also underdeveloped. Major events like football, volleyball and wrestling matches only take place in Sibi. There are a number of traditional games, such as wrestling, horse-racing, tent-pegging and rabbit hunting, but they are not frequently played. In rural areas, playing cards is very popular. There is a Divisional Sports Officer at Dera Murad Jamali, under the Commissioner Office of the Divisional Headquarters.

Recently, an officer's club has been established at Dhadar. The club has badminton, billiard and snooker facilities. Beside this club, there are no sports facilities organised at government level.

7.4.2 GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Sports Development
 
  Local 
Govt.
Prov. 
Govt.
Fed. 
Govt.
NGO Private Internat. 
donor
Infrastructure
-
xxx
-
-
xx
-
Financing
x
xxx
-
-
x
-
Legend:   - no involvement
                x minor involvement
                xx substantial involvement
                xxx major involvement

7.4.3 Conclusion and major Development Issues
Urban and rural youth play sports, football and volleyball, without any supporting infrastructure. The games are played on dirt lawns in schools and government offices' premises in the evening. Cricket is rarely played. But youth and educated persons in urban areas have a taste for it. During a one-day international, one can see them watching TV enthusiastically. Snooker has been played with interest, since its introduction in Dhadar and Mach by private enterprise in 1992. Youngsters play for fun and bet.

The bottlenecks for the development of sports are training facilities, illiteracy, poverty, and lack of government and NGO support.
 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 
Government High School Dhadar
 
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 
Class Room in High School Dhadar

8.    District Accounts and Development Funds
8.1. District Accounts.
The intention was to include in this District Profile a comprehensive overview of the flows of public money within and in and out of each district. For none of the 26 districts such an overview could be assembled in a satisfactory manner. For some more information could be gathered than for others, but a real comprehensive overview was nowhere possible given the time constraints of the research. In paragraph 4.6. some information can be found on the responsibilities of the various institutions with regard to revenue collection but not on the actual amounts collected.

One conclusion is valid for all the districts: the funds collected at district level are by no means enough to undertake any substantial development activity. For funding of further social and economic development the district is dependent on finances from outside the district, especially from the provincial government (see below). Recurrent costs can be met to some extent, varying for each of the districts, out of collection of revenue at district level. But outside support is also needed in this respect.

8.2. Development Funds.
As stated above, Bolan district, like all the other ones in Balochistan, is dependent on funds from outside sources for almost all of the development activities. This implies that, given the present structure, a large part of the decision making process on the development in the district takes place outside the district.

The largest source for development is the provincial Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). For each fiscal year a PSDP is compiled by the Planning and Development Department and approved by the Provincial Assembly. The PSDP is essentially financed out of the development budget of the province and out of contributions of donor agencies.

The revised PSDP for the financial year 1995-96 shows allocations for four projects for a total amount of Rs. 21.924 million, without any foreign assistance component. The PSDP for the following year, 1996-97, reflects a sharp decrease to a total allocation of Rs. 4.4 million for two projects, again without a foreign component.

The PSDP for the current financial year, 1997-98, gives a total allocation for Bolan district of Rs. 44.620 million, including foreign assistance of Rs. 14.692. The amount is earmarked for 21 development schemes. The irrigation sector is by far the biggest recipient with an allocation of Rs. 31.507 million (70.6 %). The combined SAP sectors would receive Rs. 6.178 million (13.8 %).

The PSDP has most probably to be reduced, because the government cannot avail of the required funds. The above mentioned allocations have therefore to be treated with some caution.

9. The District in comparison to Balochistan
The data and other information provided so far in this District Profile, reflected the situation in Bolan District itself. It was not related to the situation in other districts or to the situation in the province as a whole. To add that perspective, indicators have been selected on which the districts are compared. These indicators can be found in the table on the following two pages. Each district can be ranked according to the indicators. The relative position of Bolan district on each of the indicators is given in the diagram on the third page; it is a bottom-up ranking: position nr. 1 means the lowest score on the indicator concerned, while position nr. 26 reflects the highest score. An overall ranking of districts is not given, since that would require to give a certain weightage to each of the indicators.

10. Conclusion: Potential and Constraints
Despite the unfavourable climate, the area has potential for agricultural development. Currently about 90 to 95 percent of the district is depending on rain, which is not adequate available. However, Bolan’s vast "Kaccha" belt, if irrigated, could be utilised for single and mixed cropping, as it is muddy and loamy. According to the agricultural experts, the area is insect free and little spray is needed. Continuous supply of water can lead to two to three crops a year. But lack of water is as yet the major constraint in the development of agriculture. The promotion of the agricultural sector can rapidly raise the income level of the people.

Livestock is the second major but common source of livelihood for the majority of rural people. The current size of the livestock population is not clear, but potential grazing land is available for a much larger livestock population than the current statistics show.

For both agriculture and livestock development additional water resources need to be identified. The potential of water storage like karezes, springs and open surface wells should be further explored. Flood waters need to be used efficiently through the construction of delay action dams in the first place. The storage of Nari river water and flood water each year can give a boost to the development of the agricultural sector. If the Bolan dam, which has washed away, is reconstructed and water storages were built, the farmers’ demand for water could be met better..

Large segments of the Bolan population live in remote areas. The road network is not sufficiently developed. With the exception of the ones along the highway, villages and towns are linked with shingle and dirt roads, which are impassable in the rainy season. The construction of roads, as in other parts of Balochistan, can promote a socio-cultural change in the area.

The role of Sardars and tribal chiefs has always been dominant in the development affairs of the area. Based on interviews with a number of educated persons from lower and middle class and with four Deputy Commissioners who served in the district since 1992, including the sitting one, tribal pressure on the construction of roads and other development such as exploration of minerals, female schools and maintenance of law and order, is high. The Sardars are unwilling to loosen their grip on society. Tribal pressure increased after the introduction of the National Assembly (Majles Soora) and Provincial Assembly and tribal chiefs got elected into the houses. Development projects are often not initiated for reasons of technical and social welfare, but for mere political reasons.

Illiteracy, extreme poverty and poor infrastructure are major bottlenecks for the development of Bolan district. Education facilities are meagre.

The area also lacks a development culture. Many people seem to have little interest in the development of their district. When the government provides them funds for small projects, like irrigation schemes, the establishment of a bee centre or a tree plantation, fruitful results fail to appear.

Women remain overburdened with work and are often subject to male harassment. Their is no legal aid available for women threatened with Siakari, an extreme form of violation of human rights. It is difficult to educate women about their rights, hence they remain oppressed. This in turn marginalizes half the district population, which subsequently unfavourably affects the development process.

 

 

Annexes
 

 

Annex 1
List of all names of all Union Councils, Tehsils, Town and Municipal Committees

District Council
Dhadar 26 Members (including 2 Lady Councillors)
Town Committees

1. Dhadar 11 Members (including 2 Lady Councillors)
2. Mach 12 Members (No Lady Councillor)
3. Bhag 7 Members (including 2 Lady Councillors)

Unions
 
Name No. of Members Name No. of Members
Kolpur
6
  Kot Raisani
8
 
Mushkaf
11
  Lehri
9
 
Sanni
7
  Kairwah
8
 
Jalal Khan
10
  Theri
6
 
Chalgari
9
  Chandar
8
 
Tunnia
11
  Ghazi
12
 
Chakarmari
8
  Mithri
13
 
Mehram
10
  Haji Sher
14
 
Khattan
10
  Suran
5
 
Nusherah
9
  Hadkari
11
 
Haft Wali
10
   
10
 
 
Tehsil and Mozas Distribution of Bolan Dist.
 
Tehsils    
1. Mach
9
 
2. Dhadar
32
 
3. Nari Bala
70
 
4. Sanni
51
 
5. Khattan
19
 
6. Bhag
144
 
7. Lehri
151
 
Total
476
Total number of villages is 603
 

The total number of Patwar circles is 30.

Registration of voters (1991)

Voters 1993 (after bifurcation of districts)
 
Voters 1996 elections
Male
Female
Total
Muslim
96,325
81,716
188,041
Christians
76
74
150
Hindus
1,631
1,691
2,332
Sikhs
73
70
143
Poll Stations
82*
8
90
 
*The figure include combined polling stations, where females can also vote. The arrangement is because of the lack of female workers for polling duties.

Annex 2
Adjusted 1981 population
Sub Division
Male
Rural
 
Urban
Female
Rural
 
Urban
Total
Average household size
Dhadar
35,425
3,097
37,872
2,755
79,149
7.2
Bhag
18,597
4,489
19,828
4,100
47,014
8.4
Lehri
17,374
-
18,886
-
36,260
6.4
Sanni
27,140
-
30,100
-
57,240
6.5
Mach
5,000
4,663
4,051
3,756
17,470
6.5
Total
103,536
12,249
110,737
10,611
237,133
 
Source: 1981 population census

 
Annex 3
Meteorological Data
The district does not have its own meteorological office. Data are available from the office in Sibi. The Sibi office nor Quetta office has enough meteorological data on Bolan. Based on the data for the whole of Balochistan from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a projection is made for the data on Bolan.
 
  1992 1993 1994 1995
Rainfall in mm
297
177
322
195
Humidity (annual mean)
39
41
43
36
 
Temperature varies widely, depending on the time of year and the various parts of the districts. In some areas temperature can climb up to 54 centigrade in summer, the minimum temperature in colder parts of the district is minus 17 centigrade in winter.

Annex 4
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 DPs.

Agricultural Development and Economic Welfare

1.    Agricultural, industrial and community development;
2.    Promotion of national reconstruction;
3.    Promotion and development of:

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: 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 and 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:

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 and 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:

3.    Establishment, maintenance and management of First Aid Centres;
4.    Provision and maintenance of Medical Aid Units;
5.    Establishment, management and visiting of: 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, Asyurvedic and Homeopathic dispensaries;
9.    Promotion of sanitation, public health and 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:

Public Works
1.    Provision, maintenance, improvement and management of its: 2.    Provision, maintenance and management of 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.
5.    Regulation through bye-laws
6.    Collection and removal of manure and street sweepings;
7.    Disposal of industrial waste;
8.    Offensive and dangerous trades;
9.    Disposal of carcasses;
10.  Slaughter of animals;
11.  Registration of birth, death and marriage;
12.  Registration of sale of cattle and other animals;
13.  Registration of brick kilns, lime kilns, potteries, etc.;
14.  Registration of dyeing or tanning of skins;
15.  Regulation for grant of licenses, sanctions, levy of licenses fee and permission
       thereof.

Rural development
1.    Aggregation of financial allocation, physical programmes 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 programmes after identifying
       the:

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

12.    Prevention and abatement of:

13.    Regulation of: 14.    Establishment and maintenance of public stands for vehicles in rural areas.
 
Annex 5

List of the MPAs and MNAs from Bolan constituency since 1988 
  1988 1990 1993
Provincial Assembly
Hasmin Shawani
PNP
Asif Gielo
WP/JWP
Laskri Raisani
PNP
PB 25
Chakar Khan
Ind.
Chakar Khan
Ind.
Chakar Khan
Ind.
National Assembly
Taj Mohd Rind
WP
Yar M. Rind
JWP
Yar Mohd Rind
JWP
Source: DC Office at Dhadar + Election Commission in Quetta

The name of the Senator is not mentioned here. A Senator is not elected on geographical or constituency basis, but rather on party strength in the Provincial Assembly. The name of the Senator from the Nasirabad division is Dr. Abdul Hayee, a medical-doctor and an active member of the Balochistan National Movement (BNM-Hayee). The names of the MPAs elected in 1993 from the Bolan district are Laskari Khan Raisani from PNP and Chakar Khan Domki, independent. Yar Mohammad Rind was elected as MNA on the ticket of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP). His victory however was due to his personal and tribal (Sardari) status.
 
Annex 6
Overview of Post Offices 
Sub Post Offices Extra-Departmental Branches
Dhadar 2 Salgari 1
Mach 2 Ghazi 1
Sanni 1 Taib 1
Kolpur 1 Maskaf 1
Mitri 1 Kot Mengal 1
Hji Sher 1 Muskaf 1
Bhag 1 Piro Killi 1
Bakhtiyarabad 1 Pishi 1
Lehri 1 O.C. Pur 1
  Jalal Khan 1
  Suran 1
  Kattan 1
  Triher 1
  Tunia 1
  Kairwa 1
  Hirak 1
  Abhgum 1
  Chitarzai 1
  Pinier 1
Source: Post Master General Office at Quetta & Superintendent Post Office, Sibi

Annex 7
Electricity and Gas Supply
The total number of the villages electrified since 1992, when Bolan was declared a district, ( until November 1996) is 21.

1. Bolan Abasia                          12. Haji Charki
2. Shadi Khan                             13. Gamoo Yar Mohammad
3. Dada Khan Abro                    14. Dasti Bolan
4. Murad Eah Lehri                     15. Basti Hamid
5. Killi Gari Mohammad             16. Mohza Machi
6. Humza Band Bolan                17. Takri Saifullah
7. Mulla Shuran                           18. Amir Abad
8. Vilalge Jath                             19. Gullawa
9. Haft Wali                                  20. Rais Ramzan
10 Mohallah Harah                      21. Mir Faqir Ali Jamali
11. Gamoo Azizabad

Electricity Connections until November 1996
 
Feeder Connections
Dhadar
1807
Mithri
1304
Mach City
1293
Cannt*
751
Marave
191
Bhag
2431
Lehri
970
Suran**
?
Total
6747
 
* A feeder to Bolan area.
** Suran is recently raised to a feeder. The data was not available.

Overview Gas Supply/Connections 
Village Connection 

Total

Commercial Domestic Pipe line (in km) 

Main Services

Mach
592
14
578
9,927
3,829
Kolpur
135
0
135
3,076
0,566
Bhag
360
3
357
31,431
2,752
Lehri
239
1
238
44,796
2,752
Dhadar
429
9
429
18,952
3,544
Belpat*
166
0
116
6,024
746
* Belpat is named Baktiarabad. The connections cover all area around.

Annex 8
Health Facilities 
Health Facilities
Number
Number of beds
Hospitals
3
82
Dispensary
18
-
RHC
2
20
BHU
9
20
MCH Centre
3
-
Private
-
-
Clinics
30
?
TB Clinic
1
-
Source: DHO office Bolan at Dhadar
 
Staff Sanctioned filled
Specialist
7
0
Medical Officer
38
18
Female Doctor*
4
0
Dental Doctor
1
1
Nurses
4
4
Para-medics
177
177
Technical
25
25
Support Staff
208
208
Total
464
433
* Since 1993, Bolan has not had a female medical practitioner.

Annex 9
Education Facilities 
Education facilities (1995)
for boys
for girls
Mosque
4
0
Primary
335
39
Middle
14
6
High
15
3
College
1
0
Vocational
0
0
Number of Teachers Schools/College (Male & Female)
 
  Male Female
Primary school
802
103
Middle school
234
59
High school
117
29
 
 

Annex 10

 

 

Some Observations on the Data
The statistical data of Bolan, as quoted and used in this profile, are not only inadequate and contradicting too, 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:

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
 

ADBP Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan
ARI Acute Respiratory Infections
B&R Buildings and Roads
BRP Balochistan Reserve Police
PA Political Agent
DHQH District/Divisional Headquarters Hospital
EAC Education, Awareness, and Communication
FPAP Family Planning Association of Pakistan
LG&RDD Local Government and Rural Development Department
LHW Lady Health Worker
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
n/a Not Available
O&M Operation and Maintenance
PASCO Pakistan Agricultural Storage Corporation
PC Patwar Circle
PEDP Primary Education Development Project
PEQIP Primary Education Quality Improvement Project
PHED Public Health Engineering Department
PIA Pakistan International Airlines
PLD Personal Ledger Deposit Account
PTCL Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited
Ptv Pakistan Television
QC Qanungo Circle
RBC Reinforced Bricks Concrete
RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete
RCD Regional Co-operation for Development
RCDC Rural Community Development Council
SP Superintendent of Police
TC Town Committee
UC Union Council
USAID United States Agency for International Development
WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority
WB The World Bank
WSS Water Supply Scheme
 
Annex 12
Bibliography
Abasi, Shayla. Profile of Women in Balochistan, UNICEF June 1990

An Analysis of the Situation of Women and Children in Balochistan, UNICEF Quetta and Government of Balochistan, 1995

Concept of Eighth Five Year Plan 1993-1998: Government of Balochistan, Pakistan/Netherlands Project, Strengthening of Planning and Development Department.

Kundi, Mansoor Akbar. Balochistan: A Socio-Cultural and Political Analysis, Quetta: Qasim Book Depot, 1994 second Edition.

Shah, Dr. Mahmood Ali Shah, Sardari, Jirga & Local Government Systems in Balochistan, 1994 second edition, Lahore, Hassan Market.