Khuzdar was notified as a separate district on 1^st March 1974. Previously, it was included in Kalat district. Khuzdar used to be the main city of Jhalawan state. The history of Khuzdar, like that of the rest of Balochistan, is in great obscurity. Very little definite information is available about the area before the advent of the Arabs who ousted the Rai dynasty of Sind in the 7^th century. It is possible that some parts of the army of Alexander the Great traversed the country when the conqueror was in the Indus valley (presently upper Sind). The central position of Khuzdar, as the point of convergence of roads from Multan (via the Moola pass), Makran and Kandhar (province of Afghanistan), made it a very important place for the Arabs invading India. It is probable, too, that its moderate climate made the locality acceptable to them. In the time of the Arabs, Khuzdar was protected by a small fortress. The strong fortress was probably on the peak overlooking the valley, which is now known as Biradari (Shahi Bagh). An Arab poet wrote about Khuzdar, "what a beautiful country is Kusdar (Khuzdar). How distinguished are its inhabitants."

Therefore, the Arabs made frequent attacks upon Khuzdar and in 664 AD, in the caliphate of Muawiya, Al-Manzar, son of Al-Jarud-al-Abdi, who had been appointed to the frontiers of India after conquering Nukan and Kikan, captured Khuzdar. Al-Manzar is said to have died here. During the caliphate of Al-Mutasimbillah (833-41 AD), Umar, who was nominated as governor of Sind, transferred the inhabitants of Kandabel (Gandava) to Khuzdar.

In 976 AD, Khuzdar was governed by an Arab named Muin bin Ahmed. A year later Amir Nasir-ud-din Subuktegin commenced a series of invasions to India. He conquered Khuzdar, but its possession was restored to its previous rulers through a treaty. The treaty stipulated that immediately a sum of money was to be paid and that the ruler would thereafter send a tribute every year. Subuktegin again attacked the recalcitrant ruler. During the days of Mahmud Ghaznivi, the rulers of Khuzdar again became disaffected and withheld the tribute. Mahmud Ghaznivi marched to Khuzdar and took the rulers by surprise. It was indeed owing to Mahmud’s possession of Khuzdar that his subsequent conquests in Sind were chiefly effective. Khuzdar was included in Mahmud’s territory in 1031 AD.

With the downfall of the Ghaznivids, Khuzdar passed to the Ghorids and then to Nasir-ud-din Kabacha. In 1225 AD Khuzdar submitted to Shamsuddin Altamash.

Afterwards, the country appears to have passed to the suzerainty of the Mughals. In 1590 AD Abdul Fazal speaks of the Zehri section of the Baloch tribe. Decline of the Mughal power was followed by the rise of the Brahvis to a position of greater or lesser independence.

During the reign of Mir Mahmud Khan, Pottinger visited Jhalawan in 1810 AD, travelling to Kalat via Bela and Khuzdar. He described Khuzdar as a small town not having more than 500 houses.

The influence of Hindus from Multan and Shikarpur appears to have been very great, so much, that the keys of the town gate were entrusted to the then senior Brahmin every night. During the 18th century, the people of Khuzdar were very religious. The rulers of that period seriously implemented the Islamic Laws. Since the death of Gauhar Khan, chief of Jhalawan, the area has enjoyed a long period of repose.

Khuzdar region was full of karezes and lush green cultivation at the times it was a province of Khurasan. Khuzdar was situated on the route for caravans taking merchandise on camel back to the port Makran for export to middle-east countries. The forces of Muhammad bin Qasim passed through this area gaining access to Sind through the Moola pass. The mud-fort in Khuzdar was built by the Khan Khuda Dad Khan in 1870, during a war with Jams of Lasbela.

In 1903, the British government appointed a political agent at Khuzdar to carry out the administrative affairs of the government .This administrative system continued till the partition of India. Before March 1974, Khuzdar was a sub-division of Kalat district. To serve the people and solve their problems at their doorstep, Khuzdar was awarded the status of district on 15^th March 1974. Now, Khuzdar is divisional headquarters of Kalat.

The district headquarters is 302 kilometres from Quetta. It lies at an elevation of 1,249 meters above sea level and is situated on the RCD highway connecting it to Iran and Karachi.

A number of mounds of archaeological interest have been found in Khuzdar. The most important one is Meri Bhar or Palace Mound. It is believed to be the seat of the last Mongol governor of Khuzdar, Malik Chap, who was killed by Kurd inhabitants of Khuzdar.

The "Shahi Bagh" at Khuzdar gives an indication of its condition in ancient times. Many old dams and tombs are scattered throughout the district. A beautiful mosque, symbol of modern Islamic architecture on the RCD highway in Khuzdar, attracts many people.

The district is bounded by Kalat district in the north and north-west, Kachhi, Larkana and Dadu districts in the east, Lasbela district in the south and Awaran district in the south-west and west. The general character of the district is mountainous, consisting of numerous ridges and valleys of varying width. The important hill ranges are Jhalawan, Moda, Pab and Kirthar. Moola, Mosina, Nal and Kalachi are the main rivers in the district.

On the basis of available meteorological data, the climate of Khuzdar can be categorised as "warm summer and mild winter". Annual average rainfall is more than 250 mm, hence, indicating semi-aridity in the area. The principal winds are the northerly (goorich) and the southern and south-eastern wind (nambi). The cessation of the goorich and garro in summer causes rust in the wheat crop; while people have higher risks to attract fever. The nambi and the gazgi are the precursors of rain. The southern area of the district is warmer than the northern part.

The rainfall record is irregular. There is heavy rainfall in summer. Average annual rainfall exceeds 250 mm, which results in enough vegetation for livestock grazing. On the basis of rainfall the district is termed as semi-arid.

According to the meteorological data, mean monthly temperatures in summer remain below 32°C, while in winter it remains between 0°C and 10°C. This confirms climatic categorisation of the area as "warm summer and mild winter".

Various types of soil in the area are known as matt, karkats, rikpoad, halli and sarah. Of these matt is the best and richest, consisting of silt washed down from the hills. It is of a clay nature. Karkat is considered second best. It is harder, cracks when dry and requires breaking up after ploughing, but needs less water then matt. Both matt and karkat are suitable for spring crops and are found in Surab, Gidar, Pandran, parts of Baghwana, Tutak, Nal, Kalo, Karkh, Korask and Jan. Rikpad is a light sandy soil found only in Wad. Wheat, barley and jaur grow well on it, but the crops are considered inferior to those grown on matt or karkat. It is well suited for melons, onions and vegetables in general. Halli is a gravely soil, found in the irrigated areas of Surab and Khuzdar on the skirts of the hills and along the banks of the rivers. It is suitable for vegetables, but the crops grown on it are thin and require great care. Sorah or salt land is the poorest soil of all and is found in large tracts at Hisar, Zehri, Gidar, Nondrav valley and between Mir-na-Shaher and Bajoi in Baghwana.

At present, barite, chromite and marble are mined out in Khuzdar district, while prospecting leases have been awarded for mining of manganese, granite, limestone and building stone. The Inspectorate of Mines has indicated deposits of iron ore and strontium while occurrence of lead ore has also been indicated.

In Khuzdar, wild olive is found on the higher slopes and tamarisk and dwarf palm in the valleys. Some varieties of acacia, parpuk or loiro and belellium-producing guggul tree are also found. Hawe, gorkha and kashum are the principal fodder grasses.

Wood, bushes and dung-cakes are the main fuel, used by 99 percent of the households for cooking. Gas cylinders are also used by one percent of the households in urban areas. Gas cylinders and petroleum products come from Iran illegally. It is available in the market at a relatively low price. Kerosene oil and electricity are used by 60 and 40 percent of the households respectively, for lighting purpose.

The district is free of pollution. Generally the air is very clean, but the district headquarters is polluted, due to over-population and unsatisfactory sanitation systems. In the rural areas the drinking water is not safe. Poor families keep their pets with them in their houses. They have no separate kitchen and bathrooms. This effects their health and causes many diseases.

As fuel wood is the main energy source, the area of forest land is significantly decreasing and, according to the Chief Conservator, forests are endangered, due to over-cutting.

A major drawback for obtaining a proper view on the resources of the district is the fact that essential statistics, as the classification of land (and also agricultural production), are still not separately available for Khuzdar. Even after the bifurcation into Khuzdar and Awaran, it is still one of the biggest districts inn the province with about an average density of population.

The soils inn Khuzdar are in general fertile and seem especially suitable for wheat, fruit and vegetables. Minerals are present and the mining of them is expanding. The district has no piped gas. Wood, bushes and dung-cakes are the main energy sources for cooking. In urban areas gas cylinders are used.

Pollution is not yet a major problem. The rate of cutting of wood is a source of concern.

The growth trends in Khuzdar district have ever been unpredictable. The annual growth rate rose from 0.2 percent in 1951-61 inter-census period to 6.7 in 1961-72 and to 7.3 in 1972-81. Then it suddenly decreased to 3.1 in the inter-census period 1981-95. These fluctuations are beyond explanation without availability of the vital statistics of the population.

In 1981, the sex ratio was 108 males per 100 females. The sum of single year population given by the 1981 District Census Report of Khuzdar is greater than the cumulative population figures given in the same report. The infant below the age of one year were 3.3 percent of the total population. The children below the age of 15 years were 45.7 percent of the population. The adult population (above 18 years of age) was 49.8 percent while the population eligible to vote (above 21 years of age) was 43.8 percent. The women of child bearing age (15-44 years) were 16.8 percent of the total population.

The married men and women constituted 36.2 and 36.3 percent, respectively, of the population of age 15 years and above. The rate of divorces was 0.3 percent and the percentage of widowed people was 5.6 percent and 21.6 percent of the population never got married.

In 1981, the total number of households was 46,884 and the average household size in the district was 5.9 . For 1995, the average household size was projected to be 6.4.

The total dependent population (persons below 15 years and above 65 years of age) was 48.4 percent of the total population. Although the dependent population is less than half the population, in a population where females are hardly allowed to participate in productive sectors, the actual dependency rate increases to about 70 percent.

Khuzdar is an agriculture based society, where the majority of the population resides in rural areas and is involved in agriculture and livestock activities. In 1981, the only urban locality was the town of Khuzdar with a population of 30,887, which constituted 11.2 percent of the total population. In 1972, only 2.3 percent of the district’s total population lived in Khuzdar town. The percentage of urban population was estimated to be 12.8 percent in 1995. The trend of urbanisation is due to unavailability of basic facilities, such as education, drinking water, job opportunities and other civic facilities, in the rural areas.

The population density was reported as 1.7 persons per sq.km. in 1915 and 1961 and 3.4 in 1972. In 1981, it was 6.4 persons per sq.km and estimated 9.8 in 1995. Khuzdar is a central town, where people from small towns and rural areas come in search of jobs and finally settle permanently. Other towns such as Nal, Karkh, Zehri, Wadh, Moola, Saroona and Aranji have less importance than Khuzdar. In 1981, there were 900 mauzas/villages in Khuzdar district.

The majority of the population is Brahvi. In 1981, there was a total of 46,884 households in the district. Brahvi was spoken in 81.6 percent of the households and Balochi was the language of 12.9 percent. The remaining 5.5 percent of the households spoke Sindhi, Pushto, Punjabi, Urdu, Saraiki and other languages. Some of the main tribes of Brahvis are: Zehri, Sumalani, Mengal, Kalandrani, Mohammad Hasni, Sajdi, Bizenjo, Nichari, Qambrani, Pandrani, Mirwani, Rekizai, Gurgnari, Jattak, Rodeni and Sasoli.

In the past, the majority of the population was nomadic. Now, most of the population has settled permanently. According to the 1981 census report, 1.5 percent of the total population migrated with the turn of the seasons. In spring and summer they wander with their flocks in the highlands in search of pasturage and in October and November they move to Kachhi, Sind and Lasbela where they supplement their livelihood by labour, they return to their homes in March. A good number of government officials serving in Khuzdar, reside in Quetta.

Agriculture is the main source of the income in the area. However, no recent data is available in this regard since bifurcation of the Khuzdar district in 1992. Although mechanisation has been introduced in the agriculture sector, still most of the work is done manually. There is no major industry in the district, except some cottage industries such as embroidery work, woollen carpet and rug making, pish baskets and mat making and shoe making. A very small population is involved in trade and social services. Since bifurcation of the district no labour force statistics for present Khuzdar district have become available.

Khuzdar is the only town where cemented houses are constructed. According to the 1981 census, only 4.7 percent of all houses stood in urban areas. The majority of the population still lives in small housing units with limited domestic facilities.

Most of the people own the houses they live in. According to the 1981 census, 94 percent of the housing units in former Khuzdar district were owner-occupied. Rent-free and rented housing units were only 5 and 1 percent respectively. The tenancy percentage is increasing in the urban areas, because many families have moved from rural to urban areas for better facilities and job opportunities.

As no housing census has been carried out after 1992 , when the district was bifurcated, no data on construction material is available. However, according it has been observed that the use of cement is increasing in urban areas, while the people in the rural areas are still using mud and pish mats for the construction of their houses.

Fuel wood, bushes and drug-cakes are the main source of energy for cooking, but in urban areas gas cylinders are also used. Kerosene and electricity are used by 60 percent and 40 percent of the households respectively, for lighting. Petroleum products are imported illegally from Iran and are available at relatively low prices.

Most of the houses are single-room units and separate bathroom and toilet are rare facilities. Flush system latrines are small in number and only to be found in urban areas. About one third of the housing units does not have a separate kitchen. Detailed data regarding housing characteristics is not available.

Drinking water is obtained from tube wells, open surface wells, springs and water supply schemes. In urban areas of the district, 90 percent of the population use potable water supplied through water supply schemes. In the rural areas most of the people use water obtained from tube wells, open surface wells and springs. No proper sanitary system exists in the area. No solid waste disposal arrangements have been made by any civic agency. The people throw their household garbage in the corner of streets.

Khuzdar is the divisional headquarters of Kalat. The area has much importance due to its location on the RCD highway. The majority of the rural population is deprived of basic civic facilities such as potable water, roads and electricity.

As no housing and population census has been conducted after bifurcation of the district, any district specific information is hardly available. In most cases one has to make estimates or extract some information from the old data.

Drinking water is a major problem for the rural population of the district. Water supply is inadequate in the remote areas. Women and children are involved in fetching water and collection of fuel wood and bushes. Women make dung cakes to be used as fuel. The sanitation conditions can be improved to some extent by motivating the community for hygienic lifestyle and clean habits.

The tribe, locally called Qaum, is divided into a number of groups. These groups are further sub-divided into groups called pira, representing families. Zai is the generic term for a group representing either the tribe or any of its divisions. Each tribe has its own leader. The Sardar (chief) of the whole tribe is assisted by Mirs, who are the headmen of the clans (the term is also applied to the Sardar's brothers and near relatives). A Motabar or Kamosh is head of one of the units of which the clan is composed of. The positions of Sardar, Mir and Motabar are hereditary, while the leadership of smaller groups generally depends on the age, influence and intelligence of a person.

Individuals and families who live together in the tribe are known as hamsaya (neighbours) who share hardships and happiness together. Previously, most of the tribes were involved in livestock activities and the main source of income was livestock products. The advent of agricultural techniques and relatively better income from agriculture has attracted the majority of the tribes to farming. The people migrate to urban areas of the province and even out of the province, in search of job opportunities. This phenomenon has affected the whole tribal system and the socio-cultural values of the area are under change.

The Brahvi always dress in the same style, despite the changes in weather over the year. Clothes are comprised of a loose white shirt, a pair of trousers of the same texture and a turban cap. The dress of a female consists of a long shirt and a pair of trousers both of cotton cloth. The women like to do embroidery work on fronts of their dresses.

The majority of the people has only two meals a day, i.e., one in the morning between 10 and 12 a.m. and the other at sunset. The former is called sawaira (lunch) and the latter is sham (dinner). During spring when milk is abundant many of the flock owners have only one solid meal in the evening, subsisting mainly on milk for the morning meal. Only well-to-do families and urban people take a third meal called nihari (breakfast) in the early morning.

In Khuzdar the family set-up can be divided into two major types: the joint and nuclear family system. In the urban areas, the trend of nuclear family is becoming very popular among literate people, while in the rural areas people live in joint families. In the joint family system people feel secure and at ease, economically as well as socially.

The family pattern is patriarchal and male members have full authority in family affairs. The decision of the family’s head is considered final in all domestic affairs. The tribal chiefs also have full authority in decision making at community and tribal level.

In the tribal society of Khuzdar every man marries as soon as he is able to meet the expenses of his wedding. In general, the bride is supposed to be four to five years younger than the groom. Polygamy is not a common practice, which may be the result of the high level of the lab (bride-price).

The groom has nothing to say in the selection of his bride. It is his parents’ business to search a bride for their son. As a first step, parents send a female to search for a girl who has the right age, appearance and other qualifications. Among the lower class marriage takes place at an advanced age. If the preliminary overtures are accepted, the father and elder relatives of the groom go to the parents of the girl and arrange the lab (bride-price) to be paid and the animals and food which will have to be provided by the bridegroom’s side for the marriage feast. It is followed by a feast in the bride’s house when the bridegroom’s parents present her with a wrapper and a ring (gud-o-chhallar). This is known as sang (betrothal) and is considered binding on both parties. In case of marriage to a widow no such ceremonies, except nikah, are arranged. The lab can range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 200,000. The bride-price is paid in form of cash, sheep, camels and, occasionally, agricultural land according to the position of the contracting parties and the age, appearance and qualities of the bride. The price of a widow is generally half of that paid for a virgin.

The Haq-e-Mehr is also fixed. However, there is a custom prevalent throughout the district, according to which the husband presents his wife, instead of dower, with a share of the sawab (merit), which he hopes to obtain after his death by giving alms in his life time. The share he gives her amounts to one fourth and occasionally varies from one sixth to one third. This gift saves the husband from the necessity of giving any dower upon adala-badala (exchange of girls) which is common among the tribes. Such a transaction is generally confined to near relatives. Adala-badala is a custom whereby the sister of the groom is married to the brother of the bride.

The bride's parents generally present her with a dress and a few ornaments, bedding and some household articles. Clothes are also given to the bridegroom. Wealthy families present several dresses to the bride and better ornaments and households articles (this is known as jahaiz). Divorce in uncommon in the area.

In all tribes women are not given a share in the inheritance. Widows and daughters, however, are entitled to maintenance and daughters can claim a share of their mother’s jewellery, if any.

The tribes residing in Khuzdar district are branches of Brahvis. They identify themselves as Balochs or with their tribal names such as Zehri, Mengal, Bizenjo, etc. Generally the people are very co-operative. They take care of their fellow tribesmen in events such as marriage, death, or murder and assist each other with cash and kind. Officially the Sardari system has been eliminated but people seek help from their Sardars, Nawabs and Maliks in case of any dispute.

Bijar – at the time of marriage of any person the fellow tribesmen and relatives give some money to the bride according to their capacity. This type of assistance is known as bijar.

Sargust (salami) - at the time of marriage dinner (valima) the people give money or a gift to the groom and congratulate him and his parents.

Purs – at someone’s death, people assist his or her family.

Pory – the people of the offender’s clan assist the victim’s family in terms of cash. This assistance is a fine fixed by the Jirga.

Hashar – it is a type of co-operation in which all the villagers, relatives and friends of a person help him in erecting a hut, house, or new embankment (band), in repairing a dam, sowing the crops, or any other activity. When this is completed, they are hosted by the person for whom the work has been done.

People also co-operate in the installation of community hand pumps and its maintenance. This co-operation scheme is introduced by the Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD).

At present, 22 NGOs are registered with the Social Welfare Department. These organisations assist the people in organising socio-economic activities in the area. Trust for Voluntary Organisation (TVO) is also working in the area to organise Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

The majority of the population is Sunni. The people are devoted in offering their prayers and in keeping fast. However, only a few people give zakat. The moulvis (religious leaders) are the most influential persons in the area. People pay much respect to them. Eid-ul-Fitar and Eid-ul-Azaha are the two main festivals of Muslims. These occasions are celebrated with zeal and fervour. The majority of the Hindu population of Khuzdar district lives in Khuzdar and Wadh. The Hindu community is free to celebrate their festivals like Diwali and Holi.

All the religious sects are on close terms and they co-operate with each other in their social and religious life. The shrine of Hazrat Umar about 19 kilometres from Khuzdar towards Karachi is an attraction for the people to visit and offer fatiha.

Khuzdar is known as a peaceful area. Violent conflicts and major disputes are rare. Common conflicts are solved at community level. There are two main systems of conflict resolution in the area. One is official (at the government level) and the other is unofficial (at the community level). The government system functions through courts of law. These are functioning at Khuzdar. The Qazi court also exists in the district. The unofficial system of justice is based upon jirga and biradri (brotherhood) system.

jirga system was introduced at the time of British Government and has been modified from time to time to make it more effective and convenient for the people. In 1991 the jirga system was officially abolished. However, the people still take their cases to the jirga and this institution still has respect in society. The biradri system is also effective in solving family disputes and settlement of marriage problems.

The unofficial system of conflict resolution and Qazi courts play a very important role in the settlement of disputes. Because of less expenditure and less time consumption, people try to mediate their conflicts at community level.

Keeping arms is not only a traditional habit, but also a symbol of status and honour. In the rural areas possession of weapons is very common. People keep rifles and 12-bore shot guns. Tribal chiefs and notables have bodyguards carrying modern weapons such as klashinkovs. All these weapons are usually carried without licenses.

Women's social status and economic roles vary in different groups, according to different social customs, modes of livelihood and level of economic well-being. Education also plays an important role in the determination of the position and status of women. Educational opportunities are limited for women. The knowledge they would need to assume positions of equality is not accessible and the cycle of subordination continues. In the economic domain as well, men usually control the processes. Women perform all the daily tasks of household maintenance and care of family members. This includes the collection of firewood and water from sources which may be far away, particularly in the rural zone". However, upper class women have an easy life because female servants help them. Teenage girls are sent by their parents to graze cattle, beside taking part in all the ordinary household duties. After marriage, they have to do all these activities beside raising the children. Usually women in Khuzdar have no share in the property of their parents.

In most of the socio-economic activities "men hold a monopoly of power in the public area. In the political domain, local level chiefs and tribal authorities are always men, as are the members of local councils or jirga". The burden of tasks associated with reproductive roles and household responsibilities falls solely on women. Illiteracy, poverty, lack of resources and limited time may seriously hamper a woman’s efforts to ensure the well being of her family.

Women have no awareness about their rights. This is mainly due to lack of education as the majority of the women is illiterate. Women participate with men in agriculture and livestock activities. But there is no other social or political activity in which women participate. Their role is mainly concentrated in the household.

In general, child labour is not a problem in the area. Only a few children were observed working in tea stalls, hotels, shops and selling goods in the bazaar. The wages are paid on daily, weekly, or monthly basis. In rural areas, girls and boys help their family and parents in grazing, cutting and collection of firewood and bushes and cutting of fodder. Girls are exclusively engaged in household activities such as fetching water and cleaning the house. The main responsibility of girls is to assist their mothers in domestic activities.

Children help their family by sharing the economic burden, but the work do hampers them from getting an education. In the definition used by UNICEF, every activity which deprives a child from getting an education is included in child labour. Therefore it can be said that child labour does exist in Khuzdar district, though it is not binding upon the children and they do it as their household chore.

Literacy and social awareness are the main issues in the development of women’s status. The joint family set-up is very much preferred in Khuzdar district, because it provides socio-economic protection to its members. However, in urban areas the trend is changing towards nuclear families. Child labour can be removed by launching apprenticeship training programmes for children which should provide educational opportunities to these children as well. The government and NGOs can play a vital role in solving the issues of women and children. Women are very much involved in their domestic activities, but do not have equal social status. The change can be brought in the area through education and effective use of media. The co-operational activity "hashar" can be utilised for the development activities in the area. Print and electronic media can play an important role in promoting awareness among the masses.

The basic concept of local government in Balochistan stems from the Basic Democracy system. The Basic Democracies system was introduced in Pakistan during the regime of President Ayub Khan. The main motive behind the system was to involve the people at grassroots level to solve their problems at local level on self-help basis with their own resources.

The Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) is responsible for the local government institutions in Balochistan. In Khuzdar district four local councils’ elections have been held in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1991. New elections are expected at the end of 1997.

The local government at district level is headed by an Assistant Director. Under his supervision Development Officers (DO) and an Assistant Engineer perform their duties with the help of auxiliary staff. All local government institutions function under the elected representatives assisted by government officials.

The function of Union Councils is very important. The council represents an average population of 10,000 to 15,000. There are 17 Union Councils in the district. In each Union Council 5 to 15 councillors are elected through direct election. The councillors elect a chairman amongst themselves. The chairman is responsible to supervise and control the activities of the Union Council.

A small amount of revenue is generated at the local level. The Union Council depends for funding of its activities on grants from the provincial government. In planning the activities, usually a top-down approach is followed however; a few local representatives are involved at the implementation stage.

There are nine Town Committees in the district. The Town Committees are supposed to provide basic services such as drinking water, street light, solid waste disposal, sanitation facilities, etc.. No proper sewerage system exists in the Town Committee areas. The main sources of income of the Town Committees are octroi and grants from the provincial government.

Khuzdar town has the only Municipal Committee in the district. The major function of the Municipal Committee is to provide civic facilities to the people. The Chairman is elected by the directly elected councillors. The main sources of income are octroi and rent of market, shops and municipal property. Every year Khuzdar Municipal Committee receives a total revenue amounting to rupees 12 million from octroi, rupees 85,000 from rent and rupees 130,000 million from various license fees – such as hotel, mill/factory, bakeries, etc. The proposed budget for the year 1996-97 was 21.768 million rupees.

The District Council has the potential to play a very important role in the development of rural areas. It co-ordinates services of the Union Councils. The members of the District Council are directly elected. The council members select a Chairman amongst themselves. The functions of the District Council have been defined in detail in Annex. 4.

The main sources of income of the District Council are zila (district) tax and grant-in-aid from the provincial government. Contributions of the local councils and the community, in the form of land, labour, cash and kinds, is also a source of income. The District Council actively takes part in development activities such as levelling of land, protection of dams, soil reclamation, construction and maintenance of shingle roads, construction of school buildings and accommodations for teachers, tree plantation and plant protection. Health and sanitation services, drinking water and social welfare services are also provided by the District Council.

The district is directly under control of the provincial government through the District Administration. The federal government has no major concern with the local issues directly. The Deputy Commissioner is the administrative head of the district. The district administration comprises the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG), Assistant Commissioner (AC), Tehsildar, Naib-tehsildar, Qanungo and Patwari. Other departments such as Levies, Police, Education, Irrigation, Health, Communication and Works, Local Government and Rural Development, Forest, Agriculture, Livestock and Public Health Engineering etc. are directly under control of the provincial government. The heads of these departments report to the Deputy Commissioner.

The federal government departments functioning in the district include the Income Tax Department, National Highway Authority, Federal Bureau of Statistics and the Election Office. There is no separate department to deal with or promote women activities in the district. Only a few women are serving in education and health sectors. A few NGOs promote limited female activities in the area.

The overall law and order situation in the district is peaceful. Administratively, the district is divided into two areas, i.e., A & B. Area A is under direct control of the Police Department. The Superintendent of Police (SP), stationed in Khuzdar, controls the law and order situation through a police force. The B area, with a levies force, is under the control of the Deputy Commissioner, but actually the Assistant Commissioner and Tehsildars control the levies force. Most often people solve their disputes on personal or communal level. The people avoid reporting their cases to the police. Kalat Scouts, BRP and the Pakistan Army are also active in the area. Travelling is quite safe, for locals as well as foreigners. However, people of high authority travel accompanied by security guards.

In Khuzdar district, revenue is collected through various local, provincial and federal agencies. Revenue collection is not an easy task as no tax culture exists in Khuzdar. In many cases the people do not pay their taxes.

NGOs play a very important role in socio-economic development. A number of NGOs are working in the district. Seven of them are functioning at Khuzdar. In order to solve the problems at grassroots level, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are also functioning in the rural areas.

TVO (Trust for Voluntary Organisations) has its office at Khuzdar to assist the NGOs in developing various programmes for community development.

There is no NGO working exclusively for women’s socio-economic development. However, some NGOs have some programmes especially for women.

Women lack any kind of role in power-sharing and decision-making. This is rather a disappointing situation but the fact that the concept of a role of women in decision-making is emerging elsewhere might help improving this situation in Khuzdar in future.

Agriculture is the most important productive sector in Khuzdar. Other sectors are livestock, construction, mining and social services. There is no major industry in the district. Only few cottage industries, such as woollen carpeting, rug making, basket and mat making and shoe making are there in the district.

Agriculture is a fairly strong sector in Khuzdar. The main crops are wheat, rice, jowar and barley, different pulses and vegetables. The land is fertile, but due to shortage of irrigation water the amount of arable land is small.

There are two main cultivation seasons: Rabi and Kharif. Rabi crops are sown in winter. The major Rabi crops are wheat, barley, cumin and masoor. These are harvested in early summer. The main Kharif crops of the district include fruits, rice, jowar, bajra, moong, mash, moth, onion, melons and guar seed. Vegetables and fodder are produced throughout the year.

Agricultural labour is primarily done by men. Women and children are involved in agriculture by helping out in the fields and at home. Big land owners employ tenants for agricultural activities. Small farmers work their fields themselves and rarely hire tenants.

In Khuzdar district, land can be classified into irrigated and un-irrigated. The vast majority of the land is flood irrigated or rain-fed. The remaining area is irrigated by tube wells, karezes and springs. Rice, onion, melons, chillies, fruits and vegetables are cultivated on irrigated land only. Accurate statistics on classification of land are not available.

There are only a few big land owners. The majority of the land holdings is small sized, i.e., 5 to 10 hectares. Tenants are hired on the basis of equal distribution of crops. Some land owners hire labourers on cash payment basis. The labourers also involve their families (women and children) at the time of sowing and harvesting of crops.

In first instance, agricultural statistics are collected at the Union Council level. The Agriculture Department is responsible for the aggregation of the data at the district level. The provincial directorate publishes the report of agricultural statistics. Unfortunately, even after 5 years of bifurcation of Khuzdar district, no agricultural statistics are available exclusively for the area presently included in Khuzdar district.

Wheat is the major crop followed by rice and barley. They are cultivated in irrigated as well as un-irrigated areas. Nal, Karkh, Zehri, Wadh, Moola, Saroona and Aranji are the main un-irrigated tracts in the district. Vegetables and fruits are cultivated in irrigated areas. Apples and dates are important fruit crops.

No statistics are available about production and average yield of crops and fruits in Khuzdar district. However, according to local sources, the district’s average yield is lower than the average yield for the whole province.

Most of the land owners cultivate their land themselves. Some big land owners hire tenants or agricultural labour on contract basis. Women and children also take an active part in agricultural activities, but all their activities are unaccounted for.

The main source of irrigation in the district is flood water and rain. Permanent irrigation sources include tube wells, karezes and springs. If more of these permanent irrigation sources were developed, agricultural development could be ensured.

Tractors and threshers are used for agricultural activities. For the purchase of tractors and threshers land owners seek loans from the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan. It shows the farmers’ inclination towards mechanisation of agriculture. However, no data are available in this regard. The Agriculture Department provides tractors on rental basis.

Farmers use chemical fertilisers and manure. Pesticides are often used for vegetables and fruits. Fertilisers are bought on the market or obtained from the Agriculture Department, which provides some agricultural inputs at subsidised prices.

Most of the agricultural produce is consumed locally. Usually, farmers bring their products to the local market, where retailers or middlemen buy the goods for onward sale. Fruits and vegetables are exported to Larkana, Dadu and Karachi. Rice is also exported, but in limited quantity.

There are no fixed prices for agricultural products. The government’s rates are below market rates, therefore, in practice, prices are determined on the basis of demand and supply.

The level of income of people involved in agriculture is very low. The average yield of cash crops, wheat, rice and fruit is also very low. As a result, farmers not only have little income, but are also discouraged in their agricultural activities.

The Department of Agriculture (Extension Directorate) provides technical know-how and basic information regarding the use of seeds, fertilisers, water resources and farming in general. However, these services are said to be limited to the big land owners only. These facilities should be increased and all the farmers should have access to them. The Department is also working on the improvement of the irrigation system in the area.

The Department of Agriculture is the main partner providing assistance for agricultural activities. The private sector is involved in credit, agricultural input supplies and marketing.

Lack of data is the major hurdle in any planning activity which may lead to agricultural development. Agricultural research is either lacking or not communicated to the farmers. The result is underdevelopment of the agricultural sector. Irrigation facilities also require serious attention. For all these activities necessary funds and infrastructure are needed. On methods to increase the productivity, lack of training in agriculture sector is a major issue. Women do have a role in agriculture but since it is unpaid labour it remains invisible.

Khuzdar has much potential in livestock. The areas of Nal, Zehri, Wadh and Moola are suitable for livestock development, especially cattle, as fodder is produced in large quantity in these areas. Livestock farming is a traditional activity here. Almost all households have some small ruminants and cattle. Women and children are also involved in the livestock sector. The livestock sector can be further developed by providing basic technical know-how and financial assistance to the people involved in this sector.

Sheep and goats are the most kept livestock animals. Keeping small ruminants is a traditional activity in the area. Most of the nomadic families and people in rural areas keep small ruminants. In the rural areas every household has a herd of about 15 to 20 ruminants. After agriculture, they are the main source of their income. Women look after the herds, clean their abodes and prepare their food.

There is only one government poultry farm in Khuzdar. This farm works at a loss, as its expenditure is higher than its income. It possesses only 500 hens. Many poultry farms have been developed by the private sector. The district has much potential for poultry farming. Women are involved in poultry activities at household level, as every household has a few poultry birds. This supplements the family income. Poultry farming at household level can be further promoted by providing women with proper training and a marketing network.

The most common poultry disease is new castle. Rani khet is also very common. The Livestock Department provides guidance to control these disease. Regular vaccination is available in urban areas only. At the household level, preventive measures are not taken. As a result, the birds regularly face disease attacks.

The most common diseases among goats and sheep include sheep pox, conlyiod and pneumonia. Donkeys, horse and camels are affected by equit qulik and sawra. People visit veterinary posts for vaccination and treatment of their poultry birds and animals, but often they do not follow the instruction given by the veterinary staff. The result is high mortality of livestock. The livestock staff also provides services through mobile units to control the diseases. During the year 1994-95, the Livestock Department provided treatment to 209,190 animals and vaccinated 384,194 animals. Castration services were provided for 905 animals. Until recently, veterinary services were provided free of charge, but nowadays people have to pay a small fee. As a result, less people have their animals treated.

There are 2 veterinary hospitals, 15 dispensaries, one Artificial Insemination Centre and one Disease Investigation Laboratory Unit in the district. With the limited staff and funds these veterinary institutions are unable to cover far-flung areas of the district. According to the local authorities, these veterinary services cover only 40 to 50 percent of the livestock population.

The Department of Livestock and Dairy Development is headed by an Assistant Director at the district level. The Department is facing financial problems to carry out its activities. The staff is unable to reach the far-flung areas, due to lack of transport and funds. The department has a mobile unit to cover the remote areas, but due to limitation of funds and medicines the facilities do not cover the whole livestock population.

The Department of Livestock provides veterinary services to some extent with its limited resources. The ADBP provides loans for dairy and livestock development. Supply, marketing and price setting is controlled by the private sector.

Livestock has a lot of potential for development. Once it is developed into an organised sector, the people can earn a reasonable living and the economy of the district may be strengthened. The Department of Livestock faces financial problems in promoting livestock activities. The Department can provide training and guidance to the farmers, particularly to the women, to raise livestock and poultry in an organised way. It has been observed that people have much desire to develop their livestock. Lack of co-ordination between the people and the Livestock Department is also a problem in this sector. Awareness may be created through electronic and printed media.

Although women play an important role in livestock sector by cleaning abodes and taking care of fodder, all their activities are unaccounted for.

Fishing is possible on a limited scale only in the Nal river. The people catch fish with hooks and nets as a hobby. No commercial fisheries activities exist in the district. By establishing small fish ponds near Nal river, fisheries can be promoted on a small scale.

The state forests and game sanctuaries cover an area of 118,533 hectares, which is 2.7 percent of the total geographical area of Khuzdar district. Five forests areas are at Zeddi, Chari, Shasar, Sasol and Kheradori. In addition there are four game sanctuaries at Chorani, Dhura, Kacher and Shahshan. The Forest Department has established a nursery at Khuzdar where eucalyptus, shinas moli, siris, bacine, appil appil and shisham are grown. A project for plantation alongside the RCD highway is under process by the National Highway Authority.

No commercial forestry area exists in the district. The Forest Department has provided 15,000 saplings to the general public and 19,000 to the government departments at subsidised prices during the months of March and August 1996. The Department itself has planted 66,500 saplings. In this way the target of 100,000 planted saplings in 1996 has been achieved. The people are also taking interest in this programme.

In Khuzdar, wild olive is found on the higher slopes and tamarisk and dwarf palm in the valleys. Some varieties of acacia, parpuk or loiro and the belellium-producing guggul tree are also found. Hawe, gorkha and kashum are the principal fodder grasses.

Without prior permission by the authorities forest cutting is not allowed. However, people cut the forest illegally to collect fuel wood. The district has no marketing process system for forest products.

Some seasonal planting and distribution of saplings are the only activities of the Forestry Department. The Department is headed by a District Forest Officer (DFO) at district level. The office of the Divisional Forest Officer is situated in Khuzdar. Staff and transportation facilities are too limited to launch large scale forestry activities in the area.

Wildlife and forestry are inter-related. For the promotion of wildlife, promotion of forestry is necessary. At present endangered species of wildlife in Khuzdar district include Balochistan black bear, urial, houbara bustard, caracal, sind ibex and chukor. Commonly found animals are red fox, grey partridge and seesee partridge.

Bee keeping does not exist in the district at commercial level. Wild honey is found in limited quantities near Wadh, Nal and Moola.

The forestry activities in the district are very limited and the provincial government’s involvement is not substantive.

According to the Chief Conservator of Forests, the forests will disappear within a period of 5-6 years, if wood cutting is continued. Cutting of trees and razing of herbal bushes is very common. Plantation and afterwards care of the plants is not emphasised. The area has much potential for forestry, if proper attention is given. This will require proper planning, community involvement and co-operation of tribal and political leaders of the area. Electronic and print media may be utilised to create awareness among the masses for plantation and protection of wildlife.

The district has many minerals such as barite, chromite, granite, marble and building stone. Manganese and limestone have recently been explored. There is much potential for mineral production. Presently chromite, barite and marble are mined.

The production of minerals, except chromite, has increased over the last 10 year. The production of chromite has decreased, because the mining expenses are higher than the market price of chromite.

Mining leases have been issued for barite, chromite and marble. The district has much potential for mining of limestone and fine quality of building stone. Mineral production may be boosted by developing infrastructure in the mining area and involvement of the local people.

The Directorate of Mineral Development at Khuzdar provides technical know-how to the miners. The Geological Survey of Pakistan provides guidance in exploring minerals. However, the role of these organisations is limited.

Government involvement in mining sector is limited to leasing and inspection of mines. The government also assists in exploration and research activities. Mining itself, processing and transportation is in the hands of the private sector.

Khuzdar has no major industry. Few cottage industries are functioning in the area. In these cottage industries local embroidery work is carried out. Women and girls are involved in these activities. Factors inhibiting the development of industry and manufacturing include among others non-existence of infrastructure and marketing network, unavailability of micro-credit and skilled labour.

A few furniture making workshops are the only manufacturing enterprises in Khuzdar district. No major manufacturing industry has been established in the district.

Agricultural produce and minerals are exported to Karachi and Quetta. Almost all the consumer items are imported from Karachi, Quetta and various cities of the Punjab. Some goods smuggled in from Iran via Kech and Panjgur are also available. Embroidery work is a potential foreign export product if organised properly. It will benefit the craftswomen.

In district Khuzdar, Pir Umar is the main picnic spot. Shahi Bagh is a famous archaeological site. There are no tourist attracting facilities in Khuzdar. There is only one good hotel located near Khuzdar town along the RCD highway.

Balochi embroidery is a speciality of the area. Embroidered shirts and caps are sold either in the market or to the middlemen who take them to Karachi and Quetta to sell them at a much higher price. Carpet knitting is also a craft in Khuzdar and the locally made shoes called chawats are also famous. But all these activities are unorganised. If training, small loans and marketing facilities were available, these activities could become an organised economic sector.

The Department of Industries, Commerce and Mineral Development does not play any remarkable role in promoting small industries at the district level. Only a few people approach the Directorate to seek technical and financial assistance. A branch of the Small Industries Finance Corporation is located in Khuzdar, but its role is very limited. The public hardly knows what the corporation is for.

The private sector is the main actor of this sector. The provincial government has very limited role in this regard.

There is no major industry or manufacturing enterprise in the district. Its Balochi embroidery, carpets and local dresses are very popular in other parts of the country. These products can play a significant role in the district’s economy, if proper interventions were made. NGOs and private enterprises should be encouraged in this regard. Technical know-how and financial assistance should be provided to the crafts-men and women. The women working in this sector should be given some incentives to encourage their productivity. Their skill is exploited by the middle-men. In this regard marketing strategies by the Directorate of Small Industries need to be introduced. The value of this craft needs to be acknowledged. It can even be exported if good designs are introduced through training. The art can be further promoted by exhibitions.

Infrastructure and communications are the backbone of socio-economic development. Khuzdar is connected to other parts of the country by road and air. Telecommunication and postal facilities are available to the major towns of the district while about 40 percent of the population has access to electricity.

Although Khuzdar has a considerable length of roads, most of these are shingle roads. Most of the villages and towns are interconnected through shingle roads. However, some of these tracks become are difficult to pass during heavy rains. A large part of the metalled roads mentioned in the table below belongs to the National Highway Authority which connects Quetta with Karachi via Khuzdar.

No railways exist in the district. In future, the railway track could be extended to Khuzdar from Shahdad Kot - Larkana. Khuzdar is linked with Karachi, Sukkur, Turbat and Moen-jo-Daro by air. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates 14 flights per week to connect Khuzdar to these cities.

Khuzdar district is linked to all parts of the country through telecommunications. In July 1996, there were 1,982 telephone connections throughout the district. Khuzdar telephone exchange has a capacity of 3,300 lines; and exchanges at Wadh, Zehri and Sungar have a capacity of 400 lines each. There are 14 long distance public call offices and 19 extra-departmental public call offices in Khuzdar district. However, a number of private PCOs are working illegally. A telecommunication training institute is also functioning at Khuzdar. This institute organises in-service training courses for departmental staff.

Khuzdar is the district and divisional headquarters of the postal service. A General Post Office (GPO) is functioning at Khuzdar. In addition there are 6 post offices and 18 branch post offices spread over the district. People running a branch post offices do this in addition to their regular jobs. They are paid a monthly honorarium of 600 rupees. Courier, fax and telex services are also available in Khuzdar.

Banking services are provided in the district by the Habib Bank Limited, the United Bank Limited, the Allied Bank Limited and the National Bank of Pakistan. The National Bank of Pakistan deals with the government accounts as well. Branches of these banks are functioning in Wadh, Zehri and Nal. The Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) has a branch in Khuzdar. The major function of the ADBP is to promote agriculture activities by providing loans and technical guidance to farmers. In order to sanction loans, the ADBP mortgages land or other property as guarantee. The commercial banks also provide loans for small business activities. The area office of the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan provides insurance services. The Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) is also providing financial assistance to Community Based Organisations (CBOs) for development projects in the area on self help basis.

There are no special sources for the provision of loans to women who are working in agriculture and livestock and who are producing hanndicrafts.

A large number of villages in Khuzdar district have been provided electricity by WAPDA over the last decade. Feeders of 8, 11, 33 kV are functioning in Khuzdar district. They cover about 35 percent of the rural and 95 percent of the urban population through 6,527 connections. Irregular as well as non-payment of the electricity bills is the main problem in this sector. Millions of rupees are outstanding against defaulters. The political elite of the area interfere with the recovery attempts.

Gas is not provided by pipeline and only a few people use gas cylinders for cooking and heating. No data are available on gas users.

Being the divisional headquarters and a central place between Quetta and Karachi, people stay at Khuzdar for rest. Government officials come to Khuzdar for official tasks. To accommodate these functionaries, there are 12 rest houses in the district: 7 in Khuzdar and one each in Zehri, Wadh, Moola, Karkh and Saroona. Basic facilities are available in all these rest houses, however, some of them are not maintained properly.

Recently, a new hotel with forty rooms has been built in Khuzdar. The town also has a few other hotels and restaurants. Along the RCD highway there are restaurants serving twenty-four hours a day.

The Federal Government is very much involved in economic infrastructure and communications. The provincial government is involved in roads and rest houses.

Pipelined gas is not available in the area. However, it is expected that it will become available in the near future. Load shedding of electricity is a major problem. A railway through the district would not only improve travelling facilities, but could also boost economic activity in the district.

Provision by banks of loans to women can contribute to the economic uplift of the area as many women are skilled enough to have their small businesses.

Insufficient supply of potable water is one of the main issues in the district, particularly in the remote areas where people depend on water obtained form springs, open surface wells, perennial flows and karezes. Other sources of potable water are tube wells and hand pumps. The Public Health Engineering Department has constructed 17 water supply schemes, out of which 9 are being run by the community. The population PHED claims to serve through these schemes, exceeds the total population of the district, thus this claim appears to be an overstated. In the rural areas women and children are involved in fetching water.

According to an estimate, safe drinking water is available to 80 percent of the population in urban areas. While in the rural areas about 40 percent of the population have access to potable water. The remaining population fetches water from springs, karezes, open surface well and perennial flows.

The Public Health Engineering Department has constructed 17 water supply schemes, out of which 9 are administered by the communities served. The remaining 8 schemes are administered by the department itself. The Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) assists communities in the installation of deep well hand pumps on sharing basis. The District Council is also involved in the construction of water supply schemes in rural areas.

Generally, the quality of water available in the district is good. In some areas of the district deep drilling is required to obtain drinking water. WAPDA and the Irrigation Department often examine the quality of the water. For installation of hand pumps, the LG&RDD has also examined the ground water and found it to be safe.

The houses in government colonies have flush system latrines. In addition, flush latrines are used in 80 percent of the housing units In the urban areas. There is no proper arrangement for solid waste disposal. The garbage is dumped outside the populated areas or in the streets. The Town Committees and the Municipal Committee employ sanitary staff, but the services they provide are unsatisfactory. Overall hygienic conditions are poor throughout the district. Sanitary conditions can be improved by regular supply of water and creating awareness among the masses.

The PHED is headed by an Executive Engineer at the district level. The Department is so busy in construction and administration of water supply schemes that it is unable to also plan for sanitary services in the district. After handing over water supply schemes to the benefiting communities, it may be hoped that the Department will direct its attention towards improving the sanitary conditions of the district as well.

The major role in respect of water supply is played by the provincial government. Some international donors and the LG&RDD assist to overcome the problem of insufficient supply of drinking water. The hand pump installation scheme is very successful in the area.

As women are prime users of water and also collect it, there is an obvious need to involve them in decisions regarding installation of hand-pumps and water tanks.

The health care status of the district is not satisfactory. The Divisional Headquarters Hospital functions relatively well, but still with limited facilities. Medicines are hardly available. Doctors and other staff do not perform their duties. The health facilities in the other areas of Khuzdar are also very limited.

In primary health care Rural Health Centres, Basic Health Units, Sub Health Centres and Civil Dispensaries provide basic health facilities. These facilities cover minor and major diseases and provide emergency medical services to the patient. The RHCs and Sub Health Centres provide out- and in-patient services. BHUs and dispensaries also serve in the district to provide basic health services in rural areas. In addition there is a mobile unit travelling around the district. It provides health services to the people living in remote areas.

The Divisional Headquarters Hospital (DHQH) provides secondary health facilities. At present there are 7 specialists, one Dental Surgeon, 5 Medical Officers and 2 Lady Medical Officers. Surgical operations are also possible at the DHQ Hospital. Drug addicts are treated here too.

The major diseases reported in the area are diarrhoea, tuberculosis, malaria, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), skin diseases and gripes. Major paediatric diseases are pneumonia, diarrhoea and ARIs. The main causes of these diseases are unhygienic living conditions and polluted environment. Lack of health education is also one of the main reasons for these diseases. The people do not let their illness treat in time and often wait till it becomes serious. Other paediatric killer diseases like neonatal tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, tuberculosis, whooping cough and diphtheria remain a challenge to be addressed.

In Khuzdar, a mobile unit covers the far-flung areas and provides services in medical camps. These medical camps are organised by the Pakistan Medical Association in collaboration with the health authorities. School health services are not functioning due to lack of planning.

Under the Prime Minister’s Programme for Primary Health Care and Family Planning, Lady Health Workers have been appointed to provide health education and treatment of minor ailments. The house of the Lady Health Worker, who has to be available at all times, is designated as health house. She gives initial treatment and refers complicated cases to the hospital. She also provides contraceptives for family planing. Each health house covers about 1,000 people. This programme is directly controlled by the federal government through the District Health Officer. At present 42 Lady Health Workers have been appointed in the district.

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are also serving in far-flung areas of the district. These TBAs have been trained by the Population Welfare and Health Departments.

At district level, a District Health Officer (DHO) controls the primary health care services. The DHO also co-ordinates the Prime Minister’s Programme for Primary Health Care and Family Planning. All health houses are under his supervision too.

Most health care services in the district are provided by the provincial government. The federal government is involved in special health care programmes only. The private sector also provides some services.

Especially women have problems to get access to health services. Health care institutions exclusively for women are non-existent. Women are not allowed to visit health facilities without escorted by a male family member. Moreover, women cannot go to a male doctor, which is a factor in the relatively high maternal mortality.

The number of educational institutions in Khuzdar district is sufficient. However, comparing the number of girls’ schools to the number of boys’ schools, there are too few schools especially for girls. There is only one girls’ high school against 14 boys’ high schools and only 34 girls’ primary schools against 352 boys’ primary schools. Female students constitute about one fourth (24.7%) of the total students, but less than 10 percent of all educational institutions are reserved for girls.

Schools are divided into three categories: primary, middle and high schools. Some middle schools have a primary section and some high schools have primary and middle sections. Since 1993 mosque schools have been merged into the government primary schools. There are separate directorates for primary and secondary schools and colleges at the provincial level.

One vocational training institute is functioning at Khuzdar under the Labour Department. The purpose of this vocational institution is to develop skills among the youth so that they may be able to earn their living.

To fulfil the need for paramedics for Health Department, a Health Technicians Training Centre was established at Khuzdar in 1988. At present 63 trainees (25 Male Health Technicians, 25 Female Health Technicians and 13 other paramedics) are under training. The teaching staff consists of seven instructors. The Divisional Headquarters Hospital staff also gives training at this centre.

In recent years, many primary schools have been upgraded to middle schools. At present 19 boys’ and 4 girls’ middle schools are functioning in the district. In the rural areas, due to non-availability of building and teaching staff, the performance of these middle schools is unsatisfactory. That is why the students loose their interest in education and dropout rates are very high.

In Khuzdar only one girls’ and 14 boys’ high schools are functioning. High schools comprise 6^th to 10^th class, sometimes also including primary classes. The 10^th class (matriculation) examinations are conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Balochistan. The school administration is run by a Head Master, Assistant Head Master and other teaching staff. The condition of urban high schools’ buildings is far better than those in rural areas.

Beside government schools, there are also private schools in Khuzdar. Their performance and standard is better, but their fees are very high, usually beyond the means of a common person.

Khuzdar is fortunate to have two degree colleges, one for boys and one for girls. These colleges do have intermediate classes. The enrolment in the girls’ college is very limited. Often, parents do not allow their girls to get enrolled for college education, due to socio-cultural values of the area.

Initially an engineering college was established at Khuzdar in 1977. The college was managed under a board of governors appointed by the Ministry of Education. The college became affiliated with the University of Balochistan on 24 September 1989. To make its functioning more effective the college was upgraded to Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology in 1994.

The university offers degrees of Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in civil, mechanical and electrical technologies. In the year 1994-95, 90 students were enrolled in these programmes of studies.

The university has a good campus. The library and laboratories are well equipped with books and the latest equipment. The university has a staff colony and hostel for the students. This institution can play an important role in the development of the province.